The Justice Department has filed a class-action lawsuit against American Airlines, claiming the airline illegally denied benefits to its pilots while they served in the Air National Guard and Naval Reserve. It is the first legal action taken under the Uniformed Services Employment and Re-employment Rights Act of 1994, per DOJ. Allegedly American “reduced the employment benefits” of three pilots who had taken military leave but did not do the same for other pilots who had taken similar non-military leave. South Dakota Air National Guard pilot, Lt. Col. Paul Madson is one of the three named in the suit. News wire reports say American supports pilots called to serve in the military, and officials are reviewing the situation. According to Justice, a settlement attempt failed.
The Air Force has approved Airmen to start training with the EA-37B Compass Call Mission Crew Simulator, BAE Systems announced. The system will provide realistic training and mission rehearsal for EA-37B crews, who perform long-range electromagnetic warfare missions.
