Dallas (WBAP/KLIF) – Amid federally mandated orders for airlines to inspect engine fan blades like the one in question in the Southwest Airlines explosiong Tuesdasy, we’ve discovered that a vote of no-confidence was taken in late February by the Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association, against the Southwest VP ofr Maintenance Operations Landon Nitschke.
The union representing SW mechanics says that under Nitschke watch, maintenance supervisors have engaged in a pattern of coercive conduct toward the mechanics that has degraded the safety culture at Southwest and placed the safety of the flying public at risk. The vote was taken after an FAA probe confirmed the findings.
In a statement the AMFA National Director Bret Oestreich said:
“We did not undertake a vote of no confidence lightly as we have diligently attempted to get these issues resolved. “During VP Landon Nitschke tenure, Southwest has created a culture and workplace of hostility, retaliation, and unethical behavior and is degrading the safety culture throughout the Southwest maintenance system. Safety is paramount to us as AMTs. We cannot let his behavior continue.”
Oestreich continued:
‘Maintaining safe aircraft in accordance with federal aviation standards takes time and money,” said Oestreich. “Nitschke doesn’t seem to care. His decisions have destroyed employee morale and will cause highly skilled, tenured technicians to leave the airline. We need a change. We are hoping that Southwest’s leadership recognizes that Nitschke is destroying the safety culture, which Southwest was once so proud of, and will remove him before there are tragic consequences.”
We’ve reached out to Southwest Airlines and the mechanics union for comment.
To read the entire statement click here.
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