Transportation Worker Exemption under the Federal Arbitration Act (FAA)

In the case of Neal Bissonette and Tyler Wojnarowski v. Flowers Foods, Inc., the petitioners, who distributed baked goods for the respondent in Connecticut, sued for wage law violations. 

Respondents sought to compel arbitration based on their agreement.

The central issue was whether the petitioners fell within the §1 exemption of the FAA, which covers contracts of employment for workers engaged in interstate commerce.

Respondents argued that this exemption only applied to the transportation industry, and therefore was not applicable  the petitioners who transported baked goods.

The Supreme Court unanimously clarified that while §1 is indeed limited to transportation workers, this exemption extends beyond the transportation industry.  It applies to any transportation worker, regardless of their specific industry. the exemption encompasses all transportation workers, not just those directly tied to the transportation industry.

Bissonnette et al v Lepage Bakeries Park St., LLC, et al. , No. 23-51 (April 12, 2024).