Claims of Off-the-Clock Training, Denied Breaks, and Forced Attestations
The lawsuit accuses JetBlue of requiring new hires to study for mandatory orientation without pay, threatening termination for those who failed to pass. The plaintiffs say JetBlue routinely denied legally required 10-minute rest breaks, 30-minute meal periods and sick leave in violation of Washington wage laws. The airline later required employees to verify through a smartphone app that they took breaks—even when, according to the suit, no breaks were ever provided.
Jackson claims conditions deteriorated after he complained about a hostile environment and break violations, to the point he felt compelled to resign.
JetBlue denied all allegations in a May 30 response, asserting the workers “have no viable claims,” suffered no harm, and are owed no damages. The airline says it follows state and federal wage rules, provides required sick leave and breaks, and pays for any missed rest periods.
Alleged Pressure Behind Closed Doors
According to the plaintiffs’ motion, employees had been warned of looming downsizing at SeaTac and told they might relocate to another airport or apply for other JetBlue positions with priority. On Oct. 24, the airline gathered staff to discuss these changes before revealing the lawsuit.
The motion states that afterward, employees were ushered into one-on-one meetings with HR and a regional manager, who provided settlement agreements lacking crucial information—a copy of the complaint, a damages breakdown, or a description of their legal rights. The manager, who is specifically identified in the lawsuit as acting unlawfully, allegedly told staff they had just ten days to sign and discouraged them from consulting attorneys.
“The agreements were presented unexpectedly,” the plaintiffs argued. “Workers would reasonably fear that refusing to sign could hurt their chance at securing a new JetBlue position. For those already losing their jobs, the offers came amid financial instability.”
