Two veteran United Airlines flight attendants are claiming discrimination in a lawsuit saying the airline only wanted ‘youthful, white flight attendants – most of whom are blonde’ to work NFL charter flights.
Flight attendants Kim Guillory and Sharon Tesler filed a discrimination lawsuit alleging older crew members are effectively barred from operating the charter flights.
It says crew were chosen ‘entirely on their racial and physical attributes, and stereotypical notions of sexual allure.’
Both flight attendants are long-serving employees each with more than 25 years’ service.
"United has not only demeaned its hard-working and long-standing loyal employees, but created an egregious workplace culture in which discrimination, harassment, and retaliation have taken root and flourished," the suit claims.
After raising the issue, Guillory was allegedly told assigned crew would be made up of ‘youthful, white flight attendants,’
United says charter customers were able to choose a ‘dedicated’ crew of flight attendants.
"There was nothing United could do except comply with the customer’s request," it said.
United operates charters for several pro sports teams including Kansas City Chiefs, New Orleans Saints and Pittsburgh Pirates.
Crew working the flights often receive game tickets including Super Bowl, as well as exclusive field access passes, the lawsuit said.
The two flight attendants claimed in the suit they have suffered harassment over the issue and are claiming damages for discrimination.
Written by Ray Montgomery, US editor
