DALLAS (WBAP/KLIF) – The alleged assault of a flight attendant on a Southwest Airlines flight has prompted a flight attendants union to demand change.
“This past weekend, one of our Flight Attendants was seriously assaulted, resulting in injuries to the face and a loss of two teeth,” wrote TWU Local 556 President, Lyn Montgomery in a letter to Southwest CEO, Gary Kelly. “Unfortunately, this is just one of many occurrences. I write to you today because we cannot tolerate our beloved Cohearts being abused in such a manner, and because I am asking for your help and leadership in ending these travesties.”
The incident was reported on a Southwest flight from Sacramento to San Diego on Sunday. One person was detained.
According to Montgomery, from April 8 to May 15, there were 477 passenger misconduct incidents on Southwest Airlines aircraft.
“Today’s traveling environment requires a new level of firmness in both tone and direction to ensure proper control in the cabin of our aircraft as the attitudes and
behaviors of the flying public have, unfortunately, declined,” said Montgomery. “It must be noted that Southwest Flight Attendants are doing all they can do to ensure compliance while creating a safe environment for all passengers and crew, but they also need the support and tools required to prevent injury to ourselves and others.”
The letter asked for Kelly’s help in directing Management to support Flight Attendants as they work to maintain order on the aircraft by giving them the benefit of the doubt.
According to TWU, one tool to better utilize would be the Southwest Airlines restricted travelers list.
“The flying public needs to understand that egregious behavior will result in being banned from flying with Southwest Airlines,” Montgomery insisted. “Our airline should deliver education on the associated civil penalties, criminal charges and possible imprisonment under federal law for abusers.”
The union also asked that Kelly demand that the U.S. government increase the number of Federal Air Marshals onboard aircraft to ensure safe travel for all.
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