The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has proposed a national rule affecting meal and rest-break regulations for flight attendants and pilots. This proposal is met with opposition from major airline unions, while aviation experts support the idea.
The FAA’s proposal seeks to standardize break requirements, preventing state and local governments from implementing their own rules. This would replace existing protections, including those in place for California-based attendants, as stated in the agency’s document.
The California Department of Industrial Relations mandates a 30-minute meal break for employees who work over five hours. This break must relieve employees from all duties to count as off-duty. The FAA argues that varying state requirements can disrupt airline operations and clash with flight attendants’ safety duties. Flight attendants handle emergencies and unruly passengers, as specified by the FAA, thus a fully off-duty break could pose safety risks.
The Association of Flight Attendants-CWA (AFA) opposes the proposal, citing the removal of state protections without a federal guarantee for breaks. Flight attendants face long hours without proper opportunities for eating, drinking, and restroom use, according to the unions’ comments to the FAA.
The unions claim the proposal lacks clear protection measures, urging specific contractual safeguards. They state that the proposal does not prevent basic needs like eating or restroom use but requires flight attendants to remain ready for safety duties.
Aviation expert Michael J. Boyd of Boyd Group International views the FAA’s approach as sensible, given the safety role of flight attendants akin to pilots and firefighters.
Boyd, while not involved with the rule’s development, expressed his opinion based on his industry experience. He anticipates no significant change in attendants’ daily routines should the proposal be approved, asserting state rules won’t override FAA regulations.
Boyd raised concerns that state break rules might compel airlines to employ more attendants for coverage, thus boosting costs.
Current federal norms allow meal and break arrangements via airline policies and collective bargaining, with attendants entitled to 10 consecutive hours of rest between duties.
Fox News Digital reached the FAA and AFA for comments. The proposed rule awaits approval and has yet to take effect.
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