SOURCE: https://www.aviationpros.com
Transport Workers of America, AFL-CIO (TWU) International President John Samuelsen sent letters to American Airlines CEO Doug Parker and Southwest Airlines CEO Gary Kelly, demanding they stop covering up airline maintenance program compliance errors.
On February 6, Transport Workers of America, AFL-CIO (TWU) International President John Samuelsen sent letters to American Airlines CEO Doug Parker and Southwest Airlines CEO Gary Kelly, demanding they stop covering up airline maintenance program compliance errors. The letters come on the heels of a bombshell report by CBS Morning News, in which aircraft maintenance technicians from both airlines talked about being pressured by management to cover up serious maintenance issues, putting the flying public and flight crews at serious risk.
“As CEO of American Airlines, you are responsible for the pervasive practice of intimidation that exists,” the TWU’s letter to Doug Parker says. “It is atrocious and immoral that, solely in order to improve the company’s profitability, you would allow and oversee a system that potentially places air travelers at risk. You must correct this deadly serious situation. The first step in correcting these conditions is to first recognize that your company has a problem, and thus far you’ve failed to do so.”
“Your company’s acknowledgement that you knowingly hide compliance failures is extremely disturbing and an absolute disgrace,” writes the TWU to Gary Kelly. “Even more disturbing and disgraceful were the cavalier and dismissive answers given by Southwest executives regarding the company’s attitude toward safety.”
The TWU represents 60,000 workers in the aviation industry and is dedicated to ensuring their safety, as well as the well-being of the flying public.
Click here to read the letter to American Airlines CEO Doug Parker.
Click here to read the letter to Southwest Airlines CEO Gary Kelly.