Sky West Airlines Accused of Discrimination by Gay Employee

Gilbert Caldwell an employee of SkyWest airlines, is claiming the company is treating him and his legally wed partner differently than other married employees.

SkyWest refuses to give them the same employee benefits that his straight married coworkers enjoy. Caldwell is forced to pay a fare for his spouse under the "companion" program for friends, even though his straight married coworkers are allowed to have their spouses fly for free.

SkyWest claims to be an "equal opportunity employer"; however their diversity statement on their website only covers race, color, religion, sex, and national origin. There is no mention of sexual orientation (Examiner).

Mr. Caldwell and his partner have been together for 34 years and were legally married in the state of California. Even though proposition 8 bans same-sex marriage in California, the Supreme Court has upheld the existing 18,000 same-sex marriages that have already taken place.

Tell SkyWest that gay couples should be treated no differently, and that their practice and non-discrimination policy must reflect that. Let them know that their continued denial of benefits is not only socially irresponsible and ethically wrong, but also bad for business.

SkyWest Airlines
444 South River Road
St. George, Utah 84790
Ph. (435) 634-3000
Fax: (435) 634-3105

E-contact for Corporate Office.