Southwest Must Face Pilot Union’s Lawsuit, Fifth Circuit Rules

Southwest Airlines Co.'s pilot union can move forward with its lawsuit alleging the company illegally intimidated and disciplined pilots for labor organizing, a federal appeals court ruled.

The US Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit reversed Monday a lower court’s ruling that had dismissed Southwest Airlines Pilots Association’s suit against the airline because it was subject to arbitration under the Railway Labor Act.

The pilot union’s allegations fall under the RLA’s animus exception, which is reserved for actions designed to weaken or destroy a union, the court said.

The dispute stems from the union’s attempts to boost its representation ...