Instead of bizarre excuses, why wouldn’t SWA just say that employees called in sick in large enough numbers to disrupt operations? What is their reasoning for covering this up if it’s true?
Because it's illegal. Under the Railway Labor Act they have to exhaust all their other set options before they can initiate a strike or walkout, and even then only if it's considered a "major" disagreement. Minor disagreements cannot be striked over, full stop.
That would be the motivation for the union, but the question was about the company.
I know from experience that they don't compensate you for weather related delays or cancellations.
It would be a major accusation to say that there is an illegal strike occurring. Keeping that card unplayed gives SW more negotiating power
There’s a difference between “called in sick” and “illegal strike” though. SWA can state the first one as a fact if it’s true.
If I understand correctly, a “sick-out” would be considered an illegal work action in this context.