In the Matter of the Arbitration Between Association of Professional Flight Attendants v. American Airlines, Inc.

American Airlines appeals the district court’s order compelling arbitration of an employee’s grievance pursuant to a collective bargaining agreement. We affirm.

I.

FACTS

Brian Joseph Hagerty, an employee of American Airlines (American), belongs to the Association of Professional Flight Attendants (APFA), which is the exclusive representative of American’s flight attendants for purposes of collective bargaining. APFA and American observe a collective bargaining agreement with a standard arbitration clause.

Hagerty grew a beard while on vacation. When Hagerty returned from his vacation, American, in accordance with its “no beard” grooming rule applicable to flight personnel, threatened to discharge Hagerty unless he shaved his beard.

Hagerty filed a grievance requesting that American “cease and desist in future enforcement of this unreasonable company regulation prohibiting beards altogether and formulation of [sic] a more reasonable policy permitting neat, well-trimmed beards.” American’s Manager of Flight Services denied the grievance on the ground that “the Company has the right to maintain grooming standards with respect to public contact employees.”

Thereafter followed…