12-31-2019
A group of female pilots and a group of female flight attendants have filed suit against Frontier Airlines alleging discrimination. The flight attendants alleged that each of them had children and breastfed during their employment with the airlines. While pregnant, the flight attendants claim that they were disciplined for absences related to their pregnancy and forced on unpaid leave weeks or months before their due dates with no alternatives. When these women returned to work still breastfeeding their children, the airlines purportedly would not make it possible for them to pump their breastmilk. The women describe being forced off their job during the time period they breastfed or having to give it up entirely because of the lack of available locations.
A group of women pilots have made similar allegations against the airline. One pilot alleged that she was disciplined for seeking accommodation to pump breastmilk and was “prohibited from pumping while in uniform.” Another pilot has stated that she was accused of “baiting” the company when she requested breastfeeding accommodations and then locked out of her company email. When her second child was born, she went on unpaid leave while she breastfed. Two other pilots assert that their accommodation requests were ignored, and they had to pump in the tiny unsanitary airplane bathrooms between flights. One of the female pilots stated that she was prohibited from pumping during flight even though the co-pilot would remain in control similar to when a pilot needs to use the restroom. The inability to breastfeed caused the women to be in pain, engorged, and in some circumstances, led to mastitis.
Frontier Airlines has asserted that it has strong policies in place to protect pregnant and lactating mothers and is committed to treating all team members equally and fairly. It denies the allegations in the lawsuit and has asserted that it offers accommodations for pregnant and lactating pilots and flight attendants “within the bounds of protecting public safety.”