New Minn. Law Eases Shift Swaps By Airline Workers

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) -- Workers for Delta Airlines and other air carriers will have more leeway to trade work shifts when a new Minnesota law takes effect Friday.

Gov. Mark Dayton signed a bill Thursday that exempts airlines from a state statute requiring overtime pay for workers who put in more than 48 hours a week, in cases when the employees voluntarily agree to swap scheduled hours.

The bill won unanimous approval from both House and Senate.

The exemption was sought by Delta, and the bill's House sponsor, Democratic Rep. Leon Lillie of North St. Paul, works for the airline.

Delta CEO Richard Anderson told employees in a message last month that the change would give them more scheduling flexibility. He said Delta would continue to pay overtime when scheduled by the airline.

(© Copyright 2011 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)