Southwest Airlines is sued by the City of Oakland for allegedly breaching labor laws related to minimum wage and sick leave. The city claims that the airline has repeatedly violated these laws, even after a settlement was reached in December 2020. Despite Southwest Airlines’ assertions of compliance, the legal battle continues.

Details of the Lawsuit Against Southwest Airlines

The City of Oakland accuses Southwest Airlines of ongoing violations of minimum wage and paid sick leave regulations. According to city officials, the airline has not only breached the 2020 settlement agreement but has also continued to engage in practices that undermine employees’ rights, leading to Southwest Airlines being sued.

Violations and Alleged Breaches

The 2020 settlement, which followed a 2017 investigation, outlined specific requirements for sick leave and wage policies. However, the city argues that Southwest Airlines has failed to adhere to these rules. The violations reportedly include:

• Denying employees their right to use earned paid sick leave.
• Disciplining employees who use or seek to use sick leave.
• Failing to provide required records and information related to paid sick leave.

Southwest Airlines’ Response

Southwest Airlines maintains that it complies with all relevant sick leave laws and the terms of the 2020 settlement. The airline plans to vigorously defend itself against these claims and highlights that it is also prepared to address alleged breaches by the city itself. Southwest Airlines sued entities in the past for similar reasons.

Background of the 2020 Settlement Agreement

The December 2020 settlement came after a 2017 investigation revealed that Southwest Airlines had violated the Paid Sick Leave Ordinance. Specifically, the airline had failed to ensure employees accrued one hour of sick leave for every 30 hours worked and removed all accumulated sick leave at the start of each year. As a result, Southwest Airlines was sued by the City of Oakland.

Recent Developments and New Complaints

Recent complaints from Southwest employees have led to further allegations of labor law violations. Some employees reported being forced to work while sick or take unpaid leave instead of using their sick leave, leading to potential disciplinary actions.

The City Attorney’s office continues to investigate these issues, indicating that Southwest Airlines has not yet resolved its breaches of the settlement agreement. Remember to check WentWorld.com and follow our social media channels for ultimate travel tips and destination guides.