Quantcast

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

Air India Warned Over Crew Fatigue and Training Failures Following Fatal Crash
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy may deny flights from Mexico over broken aviation agreement
Plane Makes Emergency Landing After ‘Unruly’ Passenger Attempts to Open Exit Door Mid-Flight
American Airlines Launches Ultra‑Long‑Haul DFW–Manila Flights
Thousands of flights canceled or delayed across America's busiest airports
Emirates operates with SAF at London Heathrow Airport
British Airways Introduces Brunch Service on Long-Haul Flights
AirAsia FREE SEATS is BACK! - Book Cheap Flight now!
FAA Investigating After JetBlue Plane Skids Off Runway
Virgin Atlantic Offers Family-Friendly Holiday Packages
The Billion-Dollar Outlier That's Rescuing San Francisco Tourism
New Heathrow Security Rule Makes Packing Bags Easier for Travelers
Alaska Airlines Adding More Boeing 787 to Boost Seattle Hub
Ryanair cancels 170 flights, disrupts over 30,000 passengers on French ATC strike
What to Know About Travel to Europe During This Record-Breaking Heatwave
Airport Workers Save the Day After Woman Loses Diamond from Her Engagement Ring in Baggage Carousel
I never talk to strangers on the plane. After my dad died, a passenger helped me talk about my grief.
American Airlines reveals new summer route: Miami → Rome
Budget UK airline launches huge sale with £29 flights to 475 holiday hotspots – but you’ll have to be quick
Delta Passengers Can Book a ‘Last Mile’ Private Jet Charter to Europe This Summer
Honeywell Runway Safety Technology Selected by Southwest Airlines for Fleetwide Installation
Southwest Airlines Adds Cockpit Alerts to Boost Runway Safety
FAA Drone Detection Testing
This Airline Is Going to Start Handing Out $675 Fines to 'Unruly' Passengers: 'It Is Unacceptable'
Summer of savings? New analysis shows airfare has dropped significantly - The Points Guy
FAA Admits Uncertainty On Drone Numbers In U.S. Airspace, Raising Safety Concerns
Travelers are taking extreme measures and using hacks to avoid airline baggage fees
Pigeons Cause Chaos on Delta Flight
United Airlines’ Uniforms Get A Facelift—And A Political Filter
United Continues to Face Catering Chaos at San Francisco
Southwest Airlines sued for $100M over alleged unpaid wages in New York
Policy
Webp 5r3vc2svdh8ibaxk8gr8iutw0za2
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.”

Get the Newsletter
Sign-up to receive weekly round up of news from Sky Industry News
By submitting, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. By providing your phone number you are opting in and consenting to receive recurring SMS/MMS messages, including automated texts, to that number from our short code. Msg & data rates may apply. Reply HELP for help, STOP to end. SMS opt-in will not be sold, rented, or shared.

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.

Organizations Included in this History
More News

Dnata, a global provider of air and travel services, has entered into a joint venture with Azerbaijan’s Silk Way Group to launch ground handling and cargo operations at Alat International Airport, located in the Alat Free Economic Zone in Baku.

Oct 22, 2025

The Fair Work Commission has ruled that a former employee of dnata Airport Services was unfairly dismissed and awarded $36,468.39 in compensation.

Oct 22, 2025

The Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) has announced the closure of Terminal 5 to allow for a significant redevelopment.

Oct 22, 2025

The SFO Facility recently hosted a Breast Cancer Awareness Day, which was deemed a success by organizers.

Oct 22, 2025

Flying Food Group, Inc. recently held an appreciation event at its SFW facility to honor its employees.

Oct 22, 2025

Flying Food Group has announced that it contributes all of its taxable income annually to the Chicago-based Sue L. Gin Foundation Trust, which supports healthcare, education, legal aid, and immigration rights.

Oct 21, 2025