Airline Union Scandals Explode: Southwest’s Secret Romance, American’s Alleged Free Rent, And United’s Leadership Meltdown

The Southwest Airlines pilot union is reeling from an internal investigation of its recently-elected President for what’s being characterized by some as ‘sexual misconduct’, after it was reportedly revealed that he had a romantic relationship with a union staff member in violation of a “no fraternization” policy.

He was removed pending the investigation, the union hired outside counsel, and significant dues were spent uncovering the conduct (the union officer is said to have initially denied knowing why he was under scrutiny).

• Some pilots are calling his decision to maintain (or conceal) a relationship with a subordinate while running for president “poor judgment” and question his fitness for office.

• Multiple commenters slam the union’s leadership more broadly for either failing to vet candidates properly or ignoring known issues until after the election.

• Critics label the entire affair an “embarrassment” and a “waste of time and money” while several demand a quick resignation rather than continue a protracted fight that would drain union resources.

  
  

It’s been reported that the union ultimately moved to remove the president’s authority over hiring/firing staff as a remedy. However, many members remain dissatisfied, seeing this as a band-aid over an issue that undermines trust and fuels calls to “clean house” in upcoming elections.

Meanwhile over at the American Airlines flight attendants union, there’s an allegation that one of the officers has been living rent-free in an apartment paid by member dues. The union’s constitution does provide for a national officer commuting to the city for work to have lodging covered but the allegation here is that the officer in question lives full-time in their union-provided Las Colinas apartment.

Flight attendants have apparently been trying unsuccessfully to get copies of union board minutes where this was discussed.

That comes as the United Airlines flight attendants union fired its negotiating committee amidst stalled discussions over a new contract.

This story originally appeared on View From The Wing.