United Airlines obtains summary judgment on all ten claims in pilot discrimination lawsuit

Client(s) United Airlines, Inc.

Jones Day secured a complete summary judgment victory for client United Airlines, Inc. on all claims brought by a United pilot. Plaintiff brought ten claims against United including disability discrimination, harassment, and retaliation, and contended that United failed to accommodate his disability when he was temporarily discharged for failing to comply with and failing to get an exemption from United’s COVID-19 vaccination policy.

On June 24, 2024, the Court granted United Airlines’ summary judgment motion, concluding, among other things, that plaintiff was unqualified to perform the essential duties of his pilot job; United cured any adverse employment action by reinstating plaintiff’s employment; plaintiff suffered no damages in the form of wage loss and other benefits; and United engaged in personnel decisions that failed to amount to harassment as a matter of law.

Andrew Risk v. United Airlines, Inc., 22STCV37268 (Super. Ct. Los Angeles Cty., Cal.)