Dallas • Southwest Airlines has raised the stakes in a showdown with its union of aircraft mechanics by filing a lawsuit over what it claims is an illegal work slowdown that is grounding planes and disrupting flights.
It is Southwest's second lawsuit in three years against the Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association and the result of raw feelings on both sides after more than six years of fruitless contract negotiations.
Southwest charges that some workers are pulling planes out of service for minor mechanical items to gain leverage in contract talks.
Union representatives did not respond to requests for comment late Thursday or Friday.