Justice Dept. Files Lawsuit Against American Airlines

By Daily Record Staff

The U.S. Dept. of Justice has filed a lawsuit against American Airlines, Inc., alleging violations of the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act of 1994 (USERRA). The lawsuit represents the first class action complaint filed by the United States under USERRA.

The complaint alleges that American Airlines violated USERRA by denying pilots employment benefits during their military service.

According to the DOJ, American Airlines conducted an audit of the leave taken for military service by American Airline pilots in 2001. Based on the results of that audit, American Airlines allegedly reduced the employment benefits of those pilots who had taken military leave, while not reducing the same benefits of those pilots who had taken similar types of non-military leave.

This action shows the Labor Department and the Justice Department are working together effectively to protect the jobs and benefits of National Guard and Reserve service members upon their return to civilian life, as required under USERRA, said Charles S. Ciccolella, Assistant Secretary of Labor for Veterans’ Employment and Training Service.

The lawsuit was filed after the Veterans’ Employment and Training Service (VETS) of the Dept. of Labor referred the pilots’ complaints to the DOJ upon completion of its investigation and failed settlement efforts.