McLaughlin & Stern sues United Airlines for unpaid wages

McLaughlin & Stern LLP has taken legal action against United Airlines in a class action lawsuit concerning unpaid wages owed to flight attendants. The lawsuit has been filed in the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey. The complaint alleges that United Airlines has been violating wage laws by not compensating flight attendants for all hours worked, particularly excluding overtime pay.

The core issue addressed in the complaint is United Airlines’ practice of compensating flight attendants only for “actual” flight time, defined as the period from the closing of the aircraft door at departure to its opening upon arrival. This practice overlooks various essential duties performed by flight attendants, such as pre-flight activities, passenger boarding and deplaning, safety checks, layover times, and passenger assistance beyond the restricted flight time frame.

The complaint contends that United’s failure to recognize these additional hours results in flight attendants being deprived of substantial wages and overtime compensation, breaching New Jersey wage and hour laws. According to the lawsuit, the airline has withheld millions of dollars from its flight attendants through this practice.

Brett R. Gallaway, a Partner at McLaughlin & Stern, emphasized the importance of ensuring fair compensation for flight attendants who play a crucial role in ensuring passenger safety and service. He noted that United Airlines has accumulated significant profits while neglecting to pay its employees for the required hours of work under the company’s control, echoing their commitment to achieving justice for their client and the class they represent.

The lawsuit, led by named plaintiff Ava Lawrey and over 1,000 United flight attendants stationed at Newark Liberty International Airport, aims to recover unpaid wages, overtime compensation, liquidated damages, attorneys’ fees, and seek injunctive relief to prevent similar violations in the future.

Established in 1898, McLaughlin & Stern LLP has a long-standing reputation as one of New York’s oldest law firms, offering a wide array of legal services to individuals, businesses, and institutions. With offices located across New York, Florida, and Connecticut, the firm is recognized for its diverse expertise and client-centered approach to legal representation.

In conclusion, the lawsuit against United Airlines by McLaughlin & Stern LLP highlights the importance of upholding fair labor practices and ensuring that employees receive adequate compensation for their work. This legal action seeks to rectify wage violations and secure justice for flight attendants who have allegedly been deprived of their rightful earnings.