"Five days after Oakland's City Council voted to drop a lawsuit against Southwest Airlines, the Oakland airport's biggest carrier, for allegedly denying workers paid sick leave, Mayor Barbara Lee met with Southwest's CEO to talk business. A spokesman for Lee's office told The Oaklandside that the mayor met virtually with Southwest CEO Robert Jordan and the company's government affairs staff on Oct. 28 to "discuss partnerships to promote Oakland Airport.""
"The Oakland City Council voted to dismiss a lawsuit the City Attorney filed in September 2024 over alleged labor law violations. City officials initiated the suit after receiving complaints from Southwest workers that the airline was denying them the right to use earned paid sick leave and was retaliating against workers who tried to use their time-off benefits. The city attorney, which is empowered to enforce Oakland's minimum wage laws, had settled similar claims with Southwest in 2020."
"Councilmembers who previously spoke with The Oaklandside said their decision to drop the lawsuit had nothing to do with the merits of the case. Instead, Councilmember Charlene Wang said lawmakers were concerned about declining inbound traffic and the possibility that Southwest might leave Oakland. Councilmember Kevin Houston stressed that he was "tired" of the litigation. He also said the council's decision signaled to the business community that Oakland's leaders want "to make partnerships.""
Oakland City Council dismissed a lawsuit filed by the City Attorney against Southwest Airlines alleging denial of earned paid sick leave and retaliation after new worker complaints followed a 2020 settlement. Mayor Barbara Lee met virtually on Oct. 28 with Southwest CEO Robert Jordan and company government affairs staff to discuss partnerships to promote Oakland Airport. Councilmembers said the dismissal reflected concerns about declining inbound traffic, the possibility that Southwest might leave Oakland, and a desire to signal willingness to partner with businesses. The city had sought restitution, enforcement costs, penalties, and compliance with local wage and sick-leave laws.
Read at The Oaklandside
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