Because it was an issue between two employees and they thought they could keep it out of the press. As long as its "in house" HR was convinced they could cover it up.

Different story when outside folks are involved. I know a guy who was fired from AS because he made off-color remarks to a female taxi driver and she complained to the Company.

The reason Ms. Pina is torqued is that AS tried to sweep it under the rug and allowed the Capt. to keep working for 8 months. Now that the story is public, he got suspended. If, in fact, he does get fired it will be because of the publicity. AS is VERY protective of their image. Often more protective of their image than their employees.