Two flight attendants have filed a lawsuit against Arthur Blank, co-founder of Home Depot, claiming they were overworked and denied overtime pay while working on his private jets. The lawsuit highlights issues of misclassification and excessive demands placed on the attendants, raising questions about labor practices in the private aviation sector.

Key Takeaways

• Two flight attendants allege overwork and unpaid overtime against Arthur Blank’s family office.
• The lawsuit claims misclassification under the Fair Labor Standards Act.
• Plaintiffs report working over 40 hours weekly and handling personal errands for Blank’s family.

Allegations of Overwork

Adele Pearson and Samantha Carlisle, the plaintiffs in the case, assert that they were improperly classified as exempt from overtime pay. They claim to have worked over 40 hours nearly every week, often exceeding the standard work hours without appropriate compensation.

Their responsibilities extended beyond typical flight duties, including:

• Menu Planning: Creating meal plans for flights.
• Catering Coordination: Picking up catering orders for trips.
• Personal Errands: Handling various personal tasks for Blank and his family, such as dry cleaning and restaurant selections.

Legal Proceedings

The lawsuit was filed on October 18 in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Georgia. The plaintiffs are seeking recovery for unpaid overtime, liquidated damages, and legal costs. They allege that their employer, AMBFO (Arthur M. Blank Family Office), falsified time records to suggest they had adequate time off, despite being inundated with work-related communications even on their days off.

Compensation and Workload

In 2023, Pearson and Carlisle reported salaries of approximately $160,000 and $158,000, respectively. However, they claim to have worked 26 days a month for several months, which significantly increased their workload. The lawsuit also mentions that they often had to cover for less competent coworkers, further exacerbating their work conditions.

Romantic Relationships Impacting Work

The lawsuit raises concerns about favoritism and inefficiency within the team. It alleges that another flight attendant, who was in a romantic relationship with Blank, provided limited support, as she was often scheduled on flights where Blank was the only passenger. Additionally, the flight operations coordinator was reportedly unable to perform basic tasks due to her relationship with the director of aviation.

Company Response

A spokesperson for AMBFO has declined to comment on the ongoing litigation, citing company policy against discussing matters while legal proceedings are active. This case sheds light on the often-overlooked labor practices in the private aviation industry, particularly regarding the treatment of flight attendants.

As the lawsuit unfolds, it may prompt broader discussions about labor rights and the classification of employees in high-profile private sectors, potentially leading to changes in how flight attendants are compensated and treated in the future.

Sources

• Flight attendants on Home Depot cofounder’s private jets say they were overworked and not paid overtime, Business Insider.
• Flight attendants on Home Depot cofounder’s private jets say they were overworked and not paid overtime, Yahoo.
• Flight attendants on Home Depot cofounder’s private jets say they were overworked and not paid overtime, MSN.