Rehired Southwest Airlines worker keeps GoFundMe money

A Southwest Airlines mechanic who was fired and ordered rehired will keep about $25,000 in GoFundMe donations raised while he was out of work.

The airline tried to deduct the donations from money it owed Ken Hackett for back pay, saying it was outside income.

The Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association said Friday that the money won't count against Hackett's back-pay award under a settlement. Southwest said it was pleased to settle the matter.

Hackett was fired last February and accused of helping organize an overtime boycott that forced Southwest to hire outside maintenance help. In December, an arbitrator ordered Southwest to reinstate him with back pay.

Hackett was a steward for the union, which has fought the airline during long negotiations on a new contract.