-Caveat Lector- http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2003/03/04/national/main542646.shtml? cmp=EM8705 Serious Charge By Air Mechanics CHARLESTON, S.C., March 4, 2003
Two lawsuits allege that civilian mechanics at Charleston Air Force Base were told to falsify maintenance records on C-17s, the cargo planes used to haul supplies overseas for a possible war with Iraq. The lawsuits were filed last month by two aircraft mechanics. They accuse United Airlines, which has a contract to service C-17s, of improper repair work and false reports on damage to C-17 engines. They also allege that supervisors - including one from Pratt & Whitney United Technologies Corp. - demanded that United workers say an engine damage report had been an error. United is mentioned in both lawsuits but not named as a defendant because it is in bankruptcy. Mark Sullivan, a spokesman for Pratt & Whitney, said the lawsuit against his company "has no merit and we intend to defend it vigorously." United spokesman Joe Hopkins said the company would not comment specifically on the lawsuits. But he added: "As part of our commitment to safety, we thoroughly review all allegations of improper conduct and take necessary action." The first lawsuit, brought by Douglas Nevin, alleges that during his 13 years with United, the company refused to provide the equipment to properly repair engine coverings. It also alleges that sealant was "used to disguise improper riveting" and that mechanics were forced to falsify reports concerning engine damage. Nevin claims United wrongfully terminated him because he refused to submit false records and reported such activity. He later got a job at AAI Engineering Support Inc., and he alleges he was wrongfully fired from that job at the demand of United. The lawsuit accuses AAI of wrongful termination and civil conspiracy. Susan Flowers, a spokeswoman for AAI, would say only that Nevin resigned in January 2002. The second lawsuit, brought by United mechanic Larry James, names Pratt & Whitney - which designed, built and helps maintain the engines - as a defendant. It claims James' employers "began to create a hostile work environment" after he refused to go along with demands by supervisors, including one from Pratt & Whitney, and say a damage report had been an error. James was fired in 2000, then reinstated after a union grievance. The suit alleges civil conspiracy, intentional interference with a contract and emotional distress. The men are seeking unspecified damages. Charleston Air Force Base is home to 48 of the massive C-17s. Base spokeswoman Maj. Linda Pepin said she could not comment on the lawsuits. "We have full faith and confidence in the C-17," she said. "It has been a workhorse in the global war on terrorism." By Bruce Smith © MMIII The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. 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