Former Flight Attendant Sues Delta for Discrimination and Retaliation

June 21, 2023
Hall Benefits Law, LLC

A former flight attendant recently filed a lawsuit against Delta Air Lines for discrimination and retaliation. George Kaaihue alleges that Delta forced him to retire or be terminated after he complained to a supervisor about co-workers and managers referring to him as a member of the “Asian Mafia,” “Chinese Mafia,” and “Korean Mafia.” Kaaihue is seeking damages in the form of back pay plus interest, reinstatement to his former position or front pay, compensatory damages, punitive damages, and attorney’s fees.

Kaaihue and two co-workers complained about their colleagues labeling them based on race or ethnicity in July 2021 after picking up extra flights through a software program that flight attendants use to add and exchange flights. Kaaihue and one co-worker claimed that the comments created a hostile work environment.

Shortly after his complaints, the manager called Kaaihue and his co-worker to discuss alleged irregularities in picking up additional flights. Kaaihue claimed he had never been counseled about using the software to pick up flights. The manager suspended Kaaihue pending termination in December 2021 and accused him of lying about scheduling additional flights. In January 2022, Delta terminated Kaaihue because of the “concerns” he had raised and the flights he scheduled to work. Kaaihue appealed the termination, but Delta denied his appeal.

The case is George Kaaihue v. Delta Air Lines Inc., case number 1:23-cv-00699, U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Georgia.

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Hall Benefits Law, LLC

HBL offers employers comprehensive legal guidance on benefits in mergers and acquisitions, Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs), executive compensation, health and welfare benefits, healthcare reform, and retirement plans. We counsel a wide spectrum of clients including small, mid-sized, and large companies, 401(k) investment advisors, health insurance brokers, accountants, attorneys, and HR consultants, just to name a few. HBL is passionate about advising clients, and we are dedicated to our mission: to provide comprehensive, personalized, and practical ERISA and benefits legal solutions that exceed client expectations.

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