Southwest Airlines to offer paid military leave, $18.5M settlement for employees

Southwest Airlines has reached a significant settlement in a class-action lawsuit, agreeing to provide up to 10 days of short-term paid military leave for its employees starting in 2026. The airline will also pay $18.5 million in compensation to approximately 2,800 former and current staff members who alleged violations of their rights under the Uniformed Services and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA). This agreement, which awaits court approval, addresses claims that service members were not afforded appropriate benefits during their military service. The lawsuit, initiated in 2019 by lead plaintiff Jayson Huntsman, centered on the financial challenges faced by Reserve and National Guard members whose military obligations often exceed the traditional "one weekend a month and two weeks a year" model. Huntsman emphasized that the prolonged legal battle was driven by the potential benefits for thousands of peers, aiming to alleviate financial stress for those called to serve. Legal counsel for the class, Michael Scimone of Outten and Golden, highlighted the settlement as a "major inflection point" for employer attitudes towards paid military leave. This settlement is being hailed as the largest USERRA class settlement to date and includes a groundbreaking paid-leave policy. Proponents believe it will establish a crucial precedent, encouraging other airlines and civilian employers across the United States to re-evaluate and enhance their benefits for military service members. Huntsman expressed hope that the case will raise awareness among the broader military community regarding their legal protections and available resources under USERRA, fostering a culture of fairness and respect for those serving their country.