In a surprising turn of events, two flight attendants are taking legal action against the family office of Arthur Blank, co-founder of Home Depot and owner of the NFL's Atlanta Falcons. The plaintiffs, Adele Pearson and Samantha Carlisle, have filed a lawsuit claiming they were overworked and denied overdue overtime pay while employed as flight attendants for Blank’s private jets.

The heart of their lawsuit, filed on October 18, 2023, in the US District Court for the Northern District of Georgia, hinges on allegations that they were misclassified as exempt from overtime pay under the Fair Labor Standards Act. According to the flight attendants, they routinely worked over 40 hours each week, and their demanding tasks extended beyond typical flight duties. In addition to operating the aircraft, Pearson and Carlisle were responsible for creating menus, coordinating catering services, and managing a plethora of personal errands for Blank and his family, such as dry cleaning and selecting dining and lodging options.

With a reported net worth of $9.3 billion, Arthur Blank's family office—known as AMBFO—also faces allegations of tampering with time records to imply the flight attendants enjoyed several days off that they contend did not actually occur. The suit claims that during their so-called days off, they were inundated with calls and messages instructing them on travel arrangements, further blurring the lines of their working hours.

Both women reportedly earned substantial salaries, approximately $160,000 and $158,000 each—yet their workload often required them to work 26 days a month consistently, implying relentless duty with little reprieve. The lawsuit also highlights increased stress due to having to substitute for less experienced coworkers, which exacerbated their existing workload.

Adding to the drama, the lawsuit reveals intriguing dynamics within the team: another flight attendant allegedly involved romantically with Blank was said to offer minimal support, particularly on flights where he was the only passenger. Furthermore, office politics were allegedly at play, with the flight operations coordinator's romantic entanglements hindering her capability to perform essential job functions, leaving the plaintiffs to pick up the slack.

Their attorneys are pursuing claims for unpaid overtime, liquidated damages, and legal fees against AMBFO, maintaining a strong stance on their right to fair compensation. In response to these serious allegations, a representative from AMBFO declined to comment, citing company policy that prohibits commentary during ongoing litigation.

As this legal saga unfolds, it highlights critical issues regarding labor rights and ethical treatment in high-profile employment situations. Stay tuned as more details emerge from this riveting case!