Pilots facing dismissal to sue JAL: reports

Japan Airlines Corp pilots who have received dismissal notices are reportedly preparing to sue the company, claiming it is unlawful to forcibly terminate employment contracts (Nikkei, 23-Dec-2010). The carrier is eliminating around 90 pilot positions after its voluntary retirement programme failed to achieve the targetted reductions. The pilots are expected to file a lawsuit with the Tokyo District Court early next year. Meanwhile, JAL's flight attendant union is preparing to go on strike and may file a separate suit.