The Department of Labor’s (DOL) recent lawsuit against the SkyWest Inflight Association (SIA) once again confirms what many of us have known for a long time: SIA is an illegal company union operating at the behest of management, not for the Flight Attendants it claims to represent.
The Charges Against SIA
The DOL has charged SIA with five violations of federal law:
- 01Failure to Hold Timely ElectionsSIA did not hold an election within the required three-year period.
- 02Inadequate Election SafeguardsSIA failed to maintain adequate safeguards to preserve the integrity of its elections.
- 03Restricting NominationsOnly incumbent representatives were allowed to nominate, run, and serve in executive positions.
- 04Improper DisqualificationSIA improperly disqualified members from running for office without due process.
- 05Inadequate Election NoticesSIA did not provide adequate election notices to its members.
Election Tampering Uncovered
Following an investigation, the DOL revealed that a different Flight Attendant, unrelated to the two wrongly accused SkyWest AFA activists who were terminated by SkyWest management for no valid reason, had tampered with the election. This individual was found to have fraudulently used multiple voter codes to cast unauthorized votes.
This revelation further undermines the integrity of SIA’s elections and highlights the need for a legitimate union.
Reinforcing Our Position
This lawsuit strengthens our position and validates the concerns we have raised about SIA’s legitimacy. The facts outlined by the DOL highlight the illegal activities of an organization that claims to be a union but clearly operates under the control of SkyWest management.
The Need for a True Union
SkyWest management has shown that it will go to great lengths, including firing long-time workers, to intimidate and control Flight Attendants.
This lawsuit underscores the urgent need for SkyWest Flight Attendants to organize and form a true union with the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA (AFA-CWA) under the Railway Labor Act.
Our Goals
SkyWest Flight Attendants are organizing to achieve:
- Legal Rights at WorkEnsuring that our rights are protected under federal law.
- A Real Voice at the AirlineHaving a genuine say in the decisions that affect our work and lives.
- Protection as First RespondersRecognizing and safeguarding our critical role in aviation safety.
- Collective Bargaining PowerGaining the ability to negotiate fair wages, benefits, and working conditions at the nation’s largest regional airline.
We’re Better Together
The DOL’s lawsuit against SIA is a pivotal moment for SkyWest Flight Attendants. It reaffirms the necessity of forming a union that genuinely represents our interests and protects our rights. Together, we can build a stronger, more equitable future for all SkyWest Flight Attendants.
Stay informed, stay united, and let’s continue to push forward in our fight for fair representation and a better workplace.
