Business

Jetstar told to give crew a break

11:37 am on 12 September 2015

The Court of Appeal has ruled Jetstar must allow pilots and cabin crew on trans-tasman and pacific flights to take breaks.

Jetstar doesn't want its crew taking meal breaks during turnaround between flights, but the Court of Appeal says they're entitled to a break. Photo: 123rf

The Employment Court had already ruled in favour of Christchurch-based pilot Robert Greenslade, who said he was not able to take his breaks because the turnaround between flights was too fast.

Jetstar argued that offering breaks during the turnaround times would put its schedule behind, increase costs and force it to operate fewer flights.

In its appeal, Jetstar argued it was bound by Australian laws which did not provide compulsory meal breaks, as opposed to New Zealand laws which do.

However the Court of Appeal said the company must follow New Zealand laws.