On October 29th, according to Reuters, the United States Federal Appeals Court ruled on Monday that Southwest Airlines must face a lawsuit accusing the airline of illegally intimidating and punishing over 9,000 pilots who joined the union. The United States Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals made a 3-0 decision, stating that the Southwest Airlines Pilots Association argued that the airline had "anti-union animus," allowing the dispute to be brought to federal court. The case originated from Southwest Airlines' decision to strip an employee named Timothy Roebling of his duties and compensation as an "inspection pilot." The "inspection pilot" is a group of about 300 pilots who work closely with management and train other pilots. Southwest Airlines ostensibly disciplined Roebling for his the use of vulgar language, but the union claims it was because he decided to join the inspection pilot committee. Southwest Airlines stated in a release that it does not agree with the court's ruling and vehemently denies the union's allegations.