United Airlines: Friendly Skies But A Not So Friendly Company

Over the years, we have been bombarded with advertising slogans from various different companies. Perhaps some of the very best illustrations of these are the airlines. For example, at one time Delta airlines had the slogan "We love to fly and it shows". Then there was Eastern Airlines slogan, "We earn our wings every day". But given the most recent news, one of United Airlines advertising slogans is perhaps the most intriguing - "Fly the friendly skies with United". As far as United goes, the skies may be friendly but they've proven themselves to be the not so friendly airline especially to their employees. At least that's the story of Jennifer McInerney. Her bold, courageous and spirited defense is a fine example of individual David’s standing up to Goliaths and ultimately vanquishing them.

Jennifer McInerney was a hardworking and loyal ramp-services supervisor at the time she lost her job with United Airlines. By that time she had spent twelve long years of dedicated service with them. The problem began when Jennifer requested an alternate job due to potential complications with her pregnancy. Her request was denied. Subsequently her little boy was born 11 weeks premature. After using her family medical leave, vacation time and sick leave she still needed more time to tend to her newborn who today suffers from a disability. Having exhausted all of her options, she placed a request for unpaid leave. It was denied. When she did not return for work her employment was terminated.

According to Jennifer it was a clear case of discrimination in that similar unpaid leave for male ramp supervisors was normally approved. United Airlines disagreed and argued that they couldn’t afford to wait for Jennifer’s return as they faced a ramp supervisor shortage problem. Although the jurors didn’t agree that she was discriminated against just because she was a woman, they did find that she had been punished for complaining about gender discrimination. After deliberating seven hours, the jury

awarded her $3 million. Even Jennifer was surprised by their verdict!While Jennifer was awarded a judgment, we know that the settlement she received can never pay for the long-term, disabling effects that the airlines irresponsible actions had on the well being of her son. All the money in the world cannot make the situation right. However, it's important to note that the airline was held accountable legally and was forced to pay for its careless management style. It is been our experience that when a large company has been slapped on the wrist in this manner, immediate internal policy changes occur. If that's the case with United, then Jennifer McInerney won a victory not just for herself, but for many others who will follow.