Anytime a state creates a new law it has repercussions that affect industries far and wide. This is especially the case when a state with a high population like California makes a ruling one way or the other.
KXTV in Sacramento reports on how a California law pertaining to interstate and international business affects the bottom line for operators.
Breaks for all California crews
Federal Aviation Administration rules dictate that flight attendants have a maximum workday of 14 hours with at least nine hours before the next shift. Current proposals from the FAA include an hour break between shifts including flights.
A California ruling in 2021 held that California-based flight crews receive state coverage regarding breaks. This state coverage includes breaks of 10 minutes every four hours and 30-minute meal breaks every five hours—even during flights.
This comes at the cost of airlines. What’s more, when California adopts one rule, it is likely to set a precedent. If airlines must attend to each individual state’s labor laws on a crew-to-crew basis, that inflates complexity and costs to all operations.
It is uncertain whether the Supreme Court intends to hear the airline trade group’s case that they should strike this initiative down.
Solutions for California businesses
It might seem daunting, to any business, when facing new legislation that affects the overall costs of operating. Any employer facing allegations from employees regarding new laws has a lot on their plate. In those situations, it is important to recognize the severity of the situation and lean on all available resources to navigate this complexity.