Union leaders have filed a lawsuit against American Airlines claiming that the carrier’s supervisors pressured aircraft maintenance workers to clear planes to fly that were not airworthy.
Local 591 of the Transport Workers Union claimed American managers forced mechanics to ignore major faults on hydraulics and wiring and to skip some inspections.
The lawsuit, filed in a Chicago federal court, also says staff who brought up safety issues were threatened with termination or even arrest.
The complaint also said mechanics faced the prospect of reprisals for reporting safety violations.
According to the lawsuit, six mechanics first brought up the allegations in a whistle-blower complaint to the Department of Labor.
American Airlines has denied the allegations, saying it complies with all safety and maintenance regulations.
"American’s maintenance programs, practices, procedures, and overall compliance and safety are second to none," said AA spokesman Casey Norton.
FAA spokesman Lynn Lunsford said: "We are aware of allegations, but it’s under investigation and we can’t comment further."
