Union calls for reinstatement of fired United flight attendants

[Omaha Steve]

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Photo of planes tail: http://www.trbimg.com/img-54b06af6/turbine/ct-cth-tail-cone-photo--osha-charge-ex-1-p-4-jpg-20150109/450/253x450
Grievances filed by a flight attendants union allege that 13 United Airlines flight attendants were unlawfully fired after refusing to fly on a plane that had “menacing” graffiti written in oil residue on the aircraft’s tail. (David Marshall, Handout)

http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/breaking/ct-united-flight-attendants-fired-0110-biz-20150109-story.html

By Gregory Karp
Chicago Tribune

The Association of Flight Attendants on Friday demanded reinstatement of 13 United Airlines flights attendants who were fired after refusing to fly on a plane that had "menacing" graffiti written in oil residue on the aircraft's tail.

The union said the flight attendants were wrongfully terminated. It filed grievances under its union contract with United seeking their reinstatement with full back pay and benefits restored.

Video: http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/chi-ndn-video-page,0,3091608.htmlstory?ndn.trackingGroup=90921&ndn.siteSection=latimes_hom_non_sec&ndn.videoId=28328397&freewheel=90921&sitesection=latimes_hom_non_sec&vid=28328397


"As aviation's first responders and last line of defense, crew members have the right to report suspicious and unsafe activity without fear of reprisals from their employers," AFA International President Sara Nelson said, adding that the union has fought to achieve and defend whistleblower protections.

"These protections play a vital role in protecting workers and the general public, and this case could have serious implications for aviation safety and security," she said. "The bravery and commitment to safety of these 13 flight attendants must be applauded, not punished."

FULL story at link.