Southwest Blames Flight Disruptions on `Deliberate Effort'

Southwest Airlines Co., battered by more than a week of flight delays and cancellations from a rash of aircraft maintenance issues, said its investigation has identified a small group of union mechanics that are orchestrating an effort to slow operations.

The airline called on the Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association to comply with its legal obligation and “take immediate action to stop this activity,” according to Southwest’s statement late Friday. If AMFA wants to challenge its findings, the carrier said it asked the group to provide information and data so it can work with the company to resolve the "dramatic and highly unusual spike" in aircraft downtime.