Judge rules to let SkyWest pilots' union lanyards fly

[Omaha Steve]

Source: Bloomberg

Judge rules to let SkyWest pilots' union lanyards fly
By Karen Gullo
Bloomberg News
Article Launched: 06/30/2007 12:25:08 AM MDT

SkyWest Inc., the largest independent U.S. commuter airline by market value, must allow a pilots' group to conduct union organizing activities, a judge ruled Friday.

U.S. District Judge Charles Breyer in San Francisco ordered SkyWest today to let pilots wear Air Line Pilots Association, International lanyards around their necks and let the union distribute material in areas such as crew lounges. A pilots' pro-union group sued the airline May 22, claiming violations of a U.S. law allowing railway and airline workers to unionize.

''Defendants' discriminatory enforcement of its lanyard policy has inhibited plaintiffs' organizing efforts,'' Breyer wrote, citing testimony that identification- card neck straps bearing logos of sports teams and colleges aren't challenged. ''Such interference constitutes irreparable harm.''

SkyWest, based in St. George, opposes unions and funds its own group for its 2,651 pilots. The union has the support of 35 percent of the pilots, enough to require an election overseen by the National Mediation Board. It doesn't presently seek an election, Breyer said in a 25-page ruling.


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