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Southwest Airlines sued for $100M over alleged unpaid wages in New York

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Southwest Airlines sued for $100M over alleged unpaid wages in New York
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Simple Flying | Simple Flying

Southwest Airlines is facing a $100 million lawsuit in New York over allegations of failing to pay baggage and cargo handlers weekly. The employees, represented by Sanford Heisler Sharp McKnight, have filed the suit in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York, seeking damages and a jury trial.

The lawsuit highlights alleged unlawful labor practices by Southwest Airlines. The primary plaintiffs, Richard Strain and David Garner, are long-time employees working at Islip and Buffalo airports respectively. They claim that Southwest's payment practices violate New York Labor Law, which mandates weekly payments for manual workers.

Michael Palmer, managing partner at Sanford Heisler Sharp McKnight, stated: “Southwest’s refusal to pay its manual workers every week is inconsistent with the state law’s purpose of protecting individuals who depend upon their regular wages for sustenance. No worker living paycheck to paycheck should have to wait to receive their earned wages.”

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The lawsuit also accuses Southwest of not paying employees promptly as required by the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). In addition to damages, plaintiffs seek an injunction against these practices and coverage of attorney fees and litigation costs.

Andrew Melzer, another attorney representing the plaintiffs, commented: “By retaining the wages of its manual workers beyond the timeframes set by the NYLL, Southwest benefits and benefitted from delaying the payment of wages at the expense of the plaintiffs and class members. This illegal practice allowed the airline to utilize those funds for its expenses or accrue interest in its business accounts while its manual workers struggle to meet their basic household needs.”

This legal action follows a previous dispute where Southwest was fined nearly $430,000 in Arizona over allegations related to sick leave policies involving mechanics. Rui Leonardo from Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association Local 32 remarked on similar issues faced by mechanics regarding sick leave usage.

Southwest operates at several airports across New York including Buffalo Niagara International Airport and LaGuardia Airport among others.

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