Union: Southwest Isn't Calling Dallas Mechanics in on Overtime, Despite Operational Emergency

Southwest Airlines mechanics aren't being called in on overtime to complete plane maintenance in Dallas, despite the carrier declaring an "operational emergency," according to leaders of the union being blamed for grounding planes. Despite 148 mechanics in Dallas volunteering for overtime duty on Thursday, none were called in to work, according to representatives of the Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association. They cited the company's timecard system.That's unusual even on a normal operating day, said Gene Painter, the union's assistant national director and lead inspector. The Dallas-based carrier last week issued an all-hands memo to union mechanics after what it described as an "unprecedented" number of planes being grounded for maintenance issues. Southwest ordered mechanics to show up for work or risk being fired.   Continue reading...