Southwest Airlines Settles $18.5M Military Leave Case for Pilots
Southwest Airlines has reached a settlement to provide paid military leave for its pilots from 2026. The agreement also includes $18.5 million in compensation for nearly 2,800 current and former employees. The move follows a long-running legal case led by reservist Jayson Huntsman.
The case began in 2019 when Jayson Huntsman, a Southwest pilot and National Guard member, took legal action. He sought better support for service members called to short-term duty. The settlement now guarantees up to 10 days of paid military leave per year for affected employees.
The settlement takes effect in 2026, ensuring paid leave for Southwest pilots on short-term military assignments. The agreement also provides financial redress to thousands of employees. Legal representatives and the lead plaintiff have both emphasised its potential impact on broader industry practices.
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