Senior flight attendant sues United Airlines for calling her a snitch

A senior United Airlines flight attendant filed a lawsuit against the airline, alleging harassment and retaliation after reporting safety violations.

The 52 year old flight attendant, Ingrid Raganova, claims she was labelled a snitch and subjected to online abuse after reporting breaches of Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and airline regulations by her colleagues. Raganova, who has been with United for more than 27 years, alleges in court documents that her life was made a nightmare for simply doing her job.

The trouble reportedly began when Raganova flagged several safety violations during flights. Among her reports was a colleague’s use of headphones and an iPad during an international journey, and another using their mobile phone to send texts during takeoff. Instead of being commended, Raganova claims she was ostracised by her peers and disciplined by the airline itself.

Filed under New Jersey’s Whistleblower Protection Act, the lawsuit alleges that for over two years, Raganova was singled out by her colleagues, who made false reports about her to management.

“They fabricated stories that put me at risk of being fired.”

Rather than investigating her legitimate concerns, the airline allegedly demoted her from her position as an international purser to a standard flight attendant – a move that resulted in lower wages and a damaged reputation. Raganova recalls how she became the target of hostility from colleagues, many of whom she hadn’t even met.

The situation escalated in June last year when a mass social media post was circulated to over 25,000 airline employees, featuring a photo of Raganova with the label, Snitch Alert.

Now, the flight attendant is seeking justice in court, hoping to clear her name and put an end to the toxic culture she claims has plagued her working life, reported Aerotime.

In related news, Cathay Pacific Airways welcomed 100 cabin crew members from mainland China, marking the first intake from its recruitment initiative in the region. The new staff members are set to spearhead the airline’s goal to bring onboard 1,500 individuals from across the border by 2025.