Coalition Of 18 African American Pilots Calls For Congressional Investigation Of Racial Discrimination And Violations Of Civil Rights

A group of 18 African American pilots employed by United Airlines held a news conference with civil rights leaders including Dr. Cornel West on Thursday, September 15 at the National Press Club in Washington, DC.

On behalf of these pilots, a call is being made for Congress and the U.S. Department of Justice to launch a federal investigation into the hiring, promoting, training, discipline, diversity and equal employment practices of United Airlines. The pilots have reached out to the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) for assistance in their struggle for civil rights and equality.

These African American pilots have pursued legal action and their civil rights claims are pending against United Airlines in federal courts around the nation for the company's treatment of African Americans, according to a news release from the Mildenberg law firm.

The pilots have formed a group called The United Coalition for Diversity.

According to the pilots, United Airlines has had a complete and utter lack of diversity at the management level and a systemic culture of racism that has inhibited African Americans from obtaining managerial positions.

"It is time for all pilots to be provided with Equal Opportunities, regardless of the color of their skin," said Brian R. Mildenberg, attorney for the pilots. "According to the coalition pilots, the executive leadership of United Airlines has failed over the years to integrate the airline and remedy the serious concerns of racial discrimination against black pilots that have plagued United for more than two decades."

Although United Airlines hired an African American General Counsel in 2010 (Brett Hart, who, during 2016, became acting CEO while CEO Oscar Munoz was ill during leave of absence), the African American pilots are very disappointed with the executive leadership of United Airlines. During Mr. Hart's tenure as General Counsel of United Airlines, and the Acting CEO, the Coalition members have seen little improvement in the workplace. The pilots have been forced to pursue legal claims and to engage in public advocacy to shine light on what they describe as retaliatory treatment and threats by United Airlines employees and managers, according to the release.

CBS news reports that the coalition is citing a 40-year-old discrimination case they said failed to provide meaningful change. United entered into an agreement with the EEOC in 1976 that provided more than $1 million in back pay. The airline also agreed to recruit minorities into upper level jobs, such as pilots and management roles.

the airline said in a statement emailed to CBS news that the claims are "as baseless as they were four years ago when they were originally filed." A spokeswoman said the airline is "very proud of our diversity record and programs."

(Source: Mildenberg law firm news release unless as cited. Image from file)

FMI: www.MildenbergLaw.com