AA Mechanics Sue Over Pressure To Commit Fraud
DFW AIRPORT (CBSDFW.COM) - A union local representing American Airlines mechanics has filed a suit asking a judge to stop what it says is intimidation by American management in an effort to delay needed repairs on aircraft.
The lawsuit claims mechanics would often see faulty repairs or a need for repairs on planes.
The suit states American Airlines threatened employees in an attempt to get them to overlook the needed work so the planes could get back in the air.
The union reps say that decisions made by mangers could put airline patrons safety at risk.
The lawsuit filed by a Local of the Transport Workers Union claims mechanics had
"...pressure from AA management representatives to commit maintenance fraud, disregard maintenance discrepancies, deviate from federally-mandated maintenance procedures...."
The suit claims the mechanics were threatened so they would sign off on repairs that hadn't been made to keep planes in the air.
Denny Kelly is a former pilot and is now an aviation consultant.
"Improper maintenance on a cabin door seal and engine pylon crack, that's a big deal," explained aviation consultant Denny Kelly.
He says the practice of sending planes overseas for major repairs is at the heart of the suit.
"The maintenance is not as good as it is [in the U.S.] because you've got foreign mechanics and in some instances they don't even have licenses. Sometimes they get them back and they're in very good shape. Sometimes you get them back and they are not in good shape. Just depends."
Kelly says while airlines cut corners on maintenance to save money, the union wants to protect its members from outsourcing the work by emphasizing the worst examples of foreign repairs.
American released a statement that read in part:
"Our communication with the FAA is ongoing and frequent, and their oversight team has not alerted us to any current critical issues or concerns."
So, What does this all mean for you the flying passenger?
"If I were a passenger, the number one thing I would be concerned about is if this thing breaks, am I gonna take a four hour delay on the ramp in Indianapolis because it's broken?"
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