Two United Airlines flight attendants have filed a complaint against the airline, alleging that they were wrongfully removed from working on Los Angeles Dodgers charter flights and replaced by "young, White, thin women."
United Airlines' discrimination case
The two flight attendants, Darby Quezada, 44, and Dawn Todd, 50, filed the lawsuit in Los Angeles County Superior Court on Wednesday. Quezada, who is Black, Jewish, and Mexican, and Todd, who is Black, think they were removed from charter flight duties because of their color, age, appearance, and religious background.
In a statement, their attorney, Sam S. Yebri, said,
"United’s blatantly discriminatory staffing decisions allowed the cancer of racism and antisemitism to metastasize on the flights themselves. Major American corporations like United Airlines must understand that it is illegal to make staffing decisions based on an employee’s race and looks, even if it is meant to please major clients like the Los Angeles Dodgers."
NEW: United Airlines Sued for Allegedly Favoring Young, White, Female Crew Members for LA Dodger Charter Flights.https://t.co/hyAAAUdOIQ
— Jason Morrin (@Jason_Morrin) October 26, 2023
The suit claims that when the two cabin crew asked United why particular flight attendants were working the flights despite not having interviewed for the roles, they were told that "these White flight attendants fit a 'certain look' that the Dodgers' players liked."
Quazeda claims she was subjected to "unrelenting racist and antisemitic comments" from other flight attendants, including being referred to as a "flight maid" because they "needed a Mexican to clean the bathrooms," as well as insulting remarks about the size of her hips and Jewish origin.
Todd claims she experienced reprisal after disagreeing with the demotion and denial of benefits for Black flight attendants. Both claim that their attempts to discuss the issues with United management were ignored.
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| Credit: EU Plane Spotters |
Previously resolved lawsuit
United Airlines was previously sued for discrimination in 2020 as a result of their staffing decision on athletic charter flights. According to their attorney Yebri, the settlement of the first case resulted in Quezada and Todd being added to the charter flight roster. Todd was added to the charter flight list in 2022, while Quezada was added in 2020.
According to the lawsuit,
"United’s charter airline program for professional sports teams has a long, troubled history. For years, United’s Inflight Charter Program has been riddled with allegations of discrimination, racism and sexism."
According to a report in the Los Angeles Daily News, the LA Dodgers charter flights are a highly sought-after assignment, offering more money for longer flights, greater per diem compensation, and even other bonuses like free sports tickets and field passes.
The Los Angeles Dodgers first partnered with United in 2011, flying the team to away games during the season. The Dodgers now have a deal with Taiwanese carrier Starlux, which was announced earlier this year.
United disputes the allegations.
United Airlines has refuted the allegations, and the Los Angeles Dodgers have yet to respond to the lawsuit.
"United fosters an environment of inclusion and does not tolerate discrimination of any kind. We believe this lawsuit is without merit and intend to defend ourselves vigorously."
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