Seeks Arbitration For Alleged Violations Of The Family And Medical Leave Act

The Association of Flight Attendants-CWA (AFA) has filed suit to compel Compass Airlines to arbitrate two contractual grievances over the Company's alleged violations of its Flight Attendants' rights under the FMLA. Compass has refused for over a year to schedule these grievances.

Compass Airlines is owned by Trans States Holding of St. Louis, MO, and is operated as a Delta connection carrier.

"Compass Airlines is getting a rap for bad labor relations, as they are overtly refusing to arbitrate," said Catriona Bagley, MEC President at Compass Airlines. "In our contract, Compass agreed to arbitrate grievances for the purpose of deciding disputes. Now, management is skirting their obligation to process grievances."

AFA is asking the federal court to order Compass to honor the contract and to comply with its legal duty under the Railway Labor Act to arbitrate these grievances.

"Compass' action of failing to process these grievances through the appropriate legal and contractual channels is appalling," said Bagley. "Everyone is entitled to due process."

FMI: www.afacwa.org