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.
Unions suck. Case closed, the end.
A new hire at Allegiant makes $3000/month. The Teamsters take $600/month for NOTHING in return. They rarely have layovers but when they do, the flight attendants get nice hotels and the pilots get whatever is left. When quizzed, the company and the Teamsters say, “it’s not in your contract.”
There ya go! Unions aren’t worth the powder that it would take to blow them to Hell!
Re: AA did the author miss that is $14k-$16k PER MONTH for an apartment in Irving TX? Is that for an entire apartment complex?
Some unions suck, some companies suck worse. The only thing worse than having a union, is not having one.
Seems like enough punishment to live in Las Colinas, but what do I know…
@Joseph – not missed, but this is not for just one apartment
Try not to let it damage your faith and trust in unions.
More anti-union drivel from Gary, shocking.
WileyDog says:
December 26, 2024 at 10:55 am
Some unions suck, some companies suck worse. The only thing worse than having a union, is not having one.
Sorry Wiley Dog but the only thing worse is an industry that’s all unionized. I left the industry because I didn’t like being tied down to an employer. Yes I theoretically could change but then I’d lose seniority. What choice is that? In reality joining a union means getting into a 4 way marriage with a spouse employer and a union. At least 2 are always bickering.
@Josh – so tell us, what part of the story is inaccurate?
Unions are the only counter to tyranny form these companies. Those that are here whining about how bad they are are the ones least likely to be active in their union. Unions provide a voice to the huge power that companies exert on our lives.
@union, it’s more like those who are calling the unions out for their bs are smart enough to not be a part of a union to begin with. This is also not a slight against those who are in one and smartly call the unions out on their bs.
Either way you look at it, unions clearly only benefit those in “leadership” positions. Particularly in the APFA’s case.
If you are involved in nonprofits or unions, there is always a given and take. After all, the leaders are the ones willing to spend their time helping others. One could say that they are doing that to help themselves… And it’s probably true… But leaders are like oxygen, without them, the organization doesn’t grow, and without them, organizations die.
Unions are past their use by date. If any union should be dismantled – start with The Teachers Union. Explain how and why the teachers, who are paid from tax dollars – have a union. You cannot negotiate with the government (taxpayers) for better wages and work rules. As a taxpayer, I will not vote to give more of my tax dollars to a “government” employee. End All Unions and Stock by backs from the suits.
Maxine, you are dead square on target. Government workers, whether federal, state or local are paid by the TAXPAYERS. Some one explain WHY this is allowed. All one has to do is look at the whacko head of the teacher’s union. To make matters worse, the taxpayers keep voting for the same whackos that put the unions in power at the expense of THEMSELVES. Unions were great when it was time to end child labor and sweatshops but not in today’s environment.
So, who/what else was being paid for with the average $15.000 “Lodging,” I’d be demanding the detailed “receipts.” No telling who else was on the take!
I’ve seen many comments criticizing the union, but the issue isn’t the union itself, it’s the leadership of the APFA. The real problem is that over time, there’s been a culture of greed, poor leadership, and a lack of accountability. This environment of exploitation, where leaders are more focused on personal gain than advocating for the members, is similar to what we experienced under previous leaderships. This has created a toxic atmosphere, and unless we completely reset and address the core issues, things won’t change.
That said, we still need the union. Without the union, American Airlines would continue to take advantage of us. They already don’t show us the respect we deserve. If we didn’t have the union, they would treat us even worse, with no regard for our rights, work-life balance, or safety. The union is crucial, but the leadership needs to be held accountable, and we must demand better representation for the future.
You guys have no idea what’s coming do ya? The last thing you guys will worry about is unions cause unions won’t be able to bail you out on what’s coming your way next year into 2026. Think Covid was bad? Just you wait!!!!!