08-29-2018
The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has filed suit against United Airlines for failing to take action against a pilot who was posting naked pictures of his flight attendant ex-girlfriend. According to the EEOC, the female flight attendant and the male pilot, Mark Uhlenbrock, had a consensual relationship for around four years. During their time together, the pilot took “provocative” photos and videos of her. He then posted those pictures on a website for swingers without her permission or knowledge. She found out and asked him to take them down; he refused. For the next ten years, he continued to post pictures and videos of the flight attendant. He identified her by name, occupation, and home airport. One posting stated “Look for her when you fly!” as she was a “new reason to ‘Fly the Friendly Skies.’”
This flight attendant reported him to police and brought civil actions against him. As part of her measures to stop this harassment, the flight attendant complained to her supervisors, HR, and United’s general counsel. The company refused to take action. She has claimed that she was told that it was not sexual harassment in the workplace. The EEOC has alleged that United Airlines failed to take reasonably necessary actions to protect the flight attendant. Mr. Uhlenbrock was arrested by the FBI and pled guilty to Internet stalking. He is serving 41 months in federal prison. United Airlines has been accused of granting him long-term disability after he was arrested and then allowed him to retire with full benefits after he pled guilty, all of which the EEOC argues support its case.