CHARLOTTE, N.C.,None — A federal judge agreed with US Airways that its pilots are intentionally delaying flights and forcing cancellations as part of a contract negotiation tactic.
The judge on Wednesday ordered the pilot's union to stop interfering with daily operations.
For several months, the pilot's union has vehemently denied there was an organized slowdown campaign. But in the 45-page injunction, the judge said that's exactly what had been happening since May.
On the surface, it appears to be a victory for US Airways, but several passengers said they'll think twice about using the airline again.
Pamela Sandler already had a bad experience with US Airways Wednesday morning.
"Just this morning, we were an hour late coming out of Kansas City," she said.
Sandler didn't know about injunction until Eyewitness News showed her the documents.
"Does this make you question whether there was no reason for you to be late other than as part of a negotiating tactic?" asked Eyewitness News.
"Sure. It calls it into question, of course," she replied.
The District Court cited an e-mail from a pilot in late July, advising pilots to "arrive at least 16 minutes late most of the time," to write up maintenance issues "no matter how small they may seem." He then thanked pilots "for being on board" with the plan.
US Airways had been one of the best airlines in the country, for on-time flights. But in the past few months, it became the 2nd worst performing airline.
"It's really taking advantage of the consumers, and our hard earned money," Sandler said. "I feel taken advantage of."
Historically, US Airways has been on time 79 percent of the time. But since May 1, that's dropped to 68 percent.
Pilots used to write up maintenance issues on 23 percent of flights. In July, that rose to 33 percent.
US Airways said the pilot's actions have forced nine to 10 cancellations per day on average, and estimated it the airline $377,000 per day.
"Personally, I may start using another carrier, unfortunately," said Boris Blackmon, a frequent US Airways customer. "All you want to do is get to your destination (on time). That's all it is."
A representative from the pilot's union did not return calls from Eyewitness News Wednesday night. A spokeswoman from the airline said the company would have no additional comment about the injunction.
But Eyewitness News received a copy of an e-mail that was sent internally to US Airways employees, saying the company is pleased with the injunction, that the issue is behind them, and it's time to get back to normal.
The District Court ruled that the union must direct all pilots to get back to normal operations. They have to report back to the court by next Tuesday and show the steps they're taking to do that.
WSOC
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