Misgoverned California city sues major U.S. airline, one of the few remaining that fly into town

The lawsuit stems from an alleged violation of a December 2020 settlement agreement between the city and the airline.Photo byAaliyah WonUnsplash

The City of Oakland has filed a lawsuit against Southwest Airlines, accusing the airline of violating the city’s minimum wage and sick leave ordinances. According to the office of Oakland City Attorney Barbara J. Parker, Southwest also allegedly breached Oakland's civil protection laws and the California labor code.

The lawsuit stems from an alleged violation of a December 2020 settlement agreement between the city and the airline. The agreement was meant to resolve previous disputes over the airline’s compliance with Oakland’s paid sick leave laws.

"Despite seven years of investigations and negotiations, Southwest continues to deprive thousands of its Oakland employees of their rights under Oakland and California paid sick leave laws," Parker's office said in a statement.

Southwest Airlines has denied the allegations, stating that it complies with all applicable sick leave laws in both Oakland and California. The airline expressed its willingness to address the city’s concerns but also vowed to defend itself in court.

"Southwest Airlines fully complies with applicable sick leave laws in Oakland and California, as well as with the terms of a December 2020 settlement agreement with the city. Although Southwest remains willing to address the city’s concerns about sick leave policies, the airline is prepared to vigorously defend itself against these frivolous claims in court, including by asking the court to address the city’s own breach of the settlement agreement," Southwest said in a statement.