Supreme Court Addresses “Transportation Worker” Exemption from the FAA
In a unanimous opinion, the U.S. Supreme Court clarified who qualifies as a “transportation worker” for purposes of the exemption from the Federal Arbitration Act (FAA). In Southwest Airlines v. Saxon, the Court held that an airline’s ramp supervisor, who regularly performed loading and unloading of luggage, mail, and cargo, was exempt from the FAA. While the Court’s holding was limited to those who “load and unload cargo on and off airplanes that travel in interstate commerce,” the Court’s reasoning would seem to apply more broadly to workers performing similar services in other modes of transportation. We are closely watching how lower courts apply Saxon to warehousing and trucking providers.
A quarterly newsletter of legal news for the clients and friends of Scopelitis, Garvin, Light, Hanson & Feary
News from Scopelitis is intended as a report to our clients and friends on developments affecting the transportation industry. The published material does not constitute an exhaustive legal study and should not be regarded or relied upon as individual legal advice or opinion.
Supreme Court Addresses “Transportation Worker” Exemption from the FAA
In a unanimous opinion, the U.S. Supreme Court clarified who qualifies as a “transportation worker” for purposes of the exemption from the Federal Arbitration Act (FAA). In Southwest Airlines v. Saxon, the Court held that an airline’s ramp supervisor, who regularly performed loading and unloading of luggage, mail, and cargo, was exempt from the FAA. While the Court’s holding was limited to those who “load and unload cargo on and off airplanes that travel in interstate commerce,” the Court’s reasoning would seem to apply more broadly to workers performing similar services in other modes of transportation. We are closely watching how lower courts apply Saxon to warehousing and trucking providers.
News from Scopelitis is intended as a report to our clients and friends on developments affecting the transportation industry. The published material does not constitute an exhaustive legal study and should not be regarded or relied upon as individual legal advice or opinion.