DOL’s Lawsuit Exposes the SkyWest Inflight Association as an Illegal Company Union

Jul 17

The Department of Labor’s (DOL) recent lawsuit against the SkyWest Inflight Association (SIA) once again confirms what many of us have known for a long time: SIA is an illegal company union operating at the behest of management, not for the Flight Attendants it claims to represent.

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The Charges Against SIA

The DOL has charged SIA with five violations of federal law:

Failure to Hold Timely Elections: SIA did not hold an election within the required three-year period.
Inadequate Election Safeguards: SIA failed to maintain adequate safeguards to preserve the integrity of its elections.
Restricting Nominations: Only incumbent representatives were allowed to nominate, run, and serve in executive positions.
Improper Disqualification: SIA improperly disqualified members from running for office without due process.
Inadequate Election Notices: SIA did not provide adequate election notices to its members.

Election Tampering Uncovered

Following an investigation, the DOL revealed that a different Flight Attendant, unrelated to the two wrongly accused SkyWest AFA activists who were terminated by SkyWest management for no valid reason, had tampered with the election. This individual was found to have fraudulently used multiple voter codes to cast unauthorized votes. This revelation further undermines the integrity of SIA’s elections and highlights the need for a legitimate union.

Reinforcing Our Position

This lawsuit strengthens our position and validates the concerns we have raised about SIA’s legitimacy. The facts outlined by the DOL highlight the illegal activities of an organization that claims to be a union but clearly operates under the control of SkyWest management.

The Need for a True Union

SkyWest management has shown that it will go to great lengths, including firing long-time workers, to intimidate and control Flight Attendants. This lawsuit underscores the urgent need for SkyWest Flight Attendants to organize and form a true union with the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA (AFA-CWA) under the Railway Labor Act.

Our Goals

SkyWest Flight Attendants are organizing to achieve:

Legal Rights at Work: Ensuring that our rights are protected under federal law.
A Real Voice at the Airline: Having a genuine say in the decisions that affect our work and lives.
Protection as First Responders: Recognizing and safeguarding our critical role in aviation safety.
Collective Bargaining Power: Gaining the ability to negotiate fair wages, benefits, and working conditions at the nation’s largest regional airline.

We’re Better Together

The DOL’s lawsuit against SIA is a pivotal moment for SkyWest Flight Attendants. It reaffirms the necessity of forming a union that genuinely represents our interests and protects our rights. Together, we can build a stronger, more equitable future for all SkyWest flight Attendants.

Stay informed, stay united, and let’s continue to push forward in our fight for fair representation and a better workplace.

Gailen David

Gailen David is not just a name in the aviation industry; he is a symbol of a journey well-taken. A former airline purser and internationally recognized Jetiquette guru, Gailen has spent his illustrious career transforming the world of travel. His unwavering commitment to passenger comfort and his tireless advocacy for friendlier skies have made him a celebrated figure in aviation circles.

Having stood at the forefront as a champion for both travelers and airline personnel, Gailen utilizes his extensive experience to create a harmonious and respectful atmosphere aloft. He recognizes the intrinsic value of each passenger's experience and is unrelenting in his pursuit of excellence, ensuring everyone involved in the flight feels esteemed and acknowledged.

Gailen's keen eye for the nuances of travel has allowed him to become an influential voice in enhancing the resources and support systems that enable airline staff to perform their duties with grace and safety. His mission transcends the ordinary, elevating the travel experience to an art form where courtesy, enjoyment, and professionalism blend seamlessly.

With an innovative approach marked by a blend of empathy and practical know-how, Gailen promises a future where flying is an extraordinary experience, not just a means to an end. His work stands as a testament to a vision where the skies are filled with respect, grace, and joy for all. His symbol of a journey well-taken continues to inspire a generation of travelers and airline professionals.