Summary Southwest Airlines is being sued by the City of Oakland for violating minimum wage and sick leave laws and continuous breaches post-settlement. Violations include denying sick leave rights and overall pushing unacceptable working conditions. Carrier claims compliance with laws and the settlement, and is ready to defend against "frivolous" claims and apparently the city's own breach of the same agreement.
Southwest Airlines is being sued by the City of Oakland. The office of the city’s attorney reports that the reason behind the lawsuit is because the low-cost carrier has been violating the city’s minimum wage and sick leave-related regulations. Additional violations related to paid sick leave have also been observed.
The lawsuit A December 2020 settlement agreement signed between the city and the airline resulted in certain decisions on minimum wage and sick leave. However, the airline allegedly continues to breach the contract. The office of Oakland City Attorney Barbara J.
Parker said the following in a statement: “Despite seven years of investigations and negotiations, Southwest continues to deprive thousands of its Oakland employees of their rights under Oakland and California paid sick leave laws.” The office also noted that the carrier has gone beyond violating the 2020 agreement. It mentions breaches related to sick leave rights, pushing employees beyond acceptable working conditions.
“Additionally, Southwest has continued to violate the law—in seve.