Overview
In a recent development, a federal appeals court upheld a case brought by American Airlines pilots regarding the airline’s failure to reimburse them for short-term military leave. The court’s decision has revived a class action lawsuit that sheds light on the issue of compensation for military service.
Court Ruling
The 3rd United States Circuit Court of Appeals in Philadelphia unanimously concluded that short-term military leave should be treated similarly to jury duty or bereavement leave, for which American Airlines provides compensation. The court highlighted the comparable lengths of these leaves and the lack of control pilots have over their timing.
Key Findings
- Pilots took short-term military leave averaging 3.3 days, more frequently than jury duty (1.8 days) and bereavement leave (2.7 days).
- The plaintiffs, including former military generals James Scanlan and Carla Riner, argued that American Airlines’ policies violated the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act of 1994.
- Jon Taylor, representing the pilots, emphasized the importance of ensuring military personnel are not disadvantaged while serving their country.
Next Steps
While the court ruled in favor of the pilots on the issue of military leave reimbursement, the case has been remanded for further proceedings. The lawsuit, initiated in 2018, is set to proceed to trial, offering hope for a resolution that aligns with the rights of military personnel.