Protecting Worker Rights for Pilots in the States

The 2026 state legislative session marked a highly productive period for ALPA’s Government Affairs Department and pilot advocates, who engaged in multiple states on a broad array of policy issues. These efforts yielded significant success, with progress achieved in nearly all priority areas—most notably securing pilot inclusion in Virginia’s newly established paid sick leave and paid family and medical leave programs.

Virginia

The union’s work in Virginia to secure paid sick and paid family leave for pilots required sustained and coordinated advocacy. The Association worked with the Virginia General Assembly to ensure that pilots are covered by the state’s new paid sick and paid family leave laws and that the laws include a special provision to ensure pilots can qualify for the full state benefit despite the unique nature of pilots’ schedules. Airlines mounted persistent opposition throughout the legislative process, necessitating a strategic and collaborative response. ALPA worked closely with the Virginia State AFL-CIO, the Northern Virginia Central Labor Council, and pilot advocates to advance this effort. Central to this success was the leadership of House of Delegates member Kelly Convirs-Fowler (D-Virginia Beach), who served as a steadfast and effective champion for pilot inclusion in the law.

Despite the General Assembly including pilots and their special accrual pathway in the final legislation, Gov. Abigail Spanberger, in a last-minute deal, sent the legislation back to the General Assembly and removed aircrews from the legislation. The Association worked with the General Assembly to fight back, send the original bill back to the governor that included aircrews, and force Spanberger to either veto the entire paid sick leave bill over the inclusion of pilots and flight attendants or to allow the bill to procced.

The governor signed the paid sick leave legislation into law on May 20, with the special rules for pilots set to begin on July 1, 2027. The law allows employees to earn up to 40 hours of paid sick leave annually and guarantees its use without fear of employer retaliation, among other protections.

Similarly, on May 11, Spanberger signed Virginia’s paid family and medical leave legislation, with benefits becoming available in December 2028. The program provides up to 12 weeks of paid leave for employees to care for themselves or eligible family members. Funding will begin April 1, 2028, through payroll contributions shared equally between employers and employees. ALPA will be on guard for any attempts by airlines to roll back these gains in the next legislative cycle.

Minnesota

In Minnesota, the state’s paid family and medical leave program took effect on January 1. During implementation, a late-stage issue arose. The law includes a confusing provision as to whether pilots domiciled in the state who aren’t residents of Minnesota would qualify for the program. The confusion may have resulted in nonresident but Minneapolis-domiciled pilots being taxed for the program without receiving the benefit. Leveraging relationships established through ALPA’s State Labor Representative and District Advocate program along with prior advocacy, the union successfully intervened to correct this misinterpretation. As a result, Minnesota-based pilots—regardless of residency—who contribute to the program are now eligible for benefits.

Washington

In Washington, the Association supported legislation that would have allowed pilots to access the state’s paid family and medical leave program while awaiting FAA aeromedical certification; however, the bill did not advance out of committee.

Alaska

In Alaska, ALPA collaborated with Alaska-based pilot advocates to pursue legislation establishing clarity that work travel for pilots would not penalize their ability to meet residency requirements for certain state benefits. The proposal did not pass, and while no widespread disqualification issues have been reported, the initiative strengthened pilot engagement and reinforced key relationships.

Colorado

Airlines also sought to weaken pro-pilot legislation in Colorado, where they came close to persuading lawmakers and the governor to dilute the Doctor’s Choice Act, which enhances workers’ authority over medical care following workplace injuries. The effort ultimately fell short as the legislative session concluded, though renewed attempts are anticipated in 2027. The law is scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2028.

California

In California, airlines continue efforts to exempt themselves from the state’s wage statement requirements to make airline employee wage statements more transparent and prohibit pilots from having any legal recourse if an employer fails to provide the correct information. ALPA has killed legislation this session that would change an airline’s reasonability to provide an accurate, comprehensive, and digestible wage statement.

State-Level Work Is a Top ALPA Priority

The work undertaken at the state level remains a top priority for Association leaders and pilots alike. Sustained pilot engagement is essential to continued success. Those not yet involved as district advocates are encouraged to connect with Paul Mendelsohn, ALPA’s Government Affairs Department grassroots representative, at Paul.Mendelsohn@alpa.org to help ensure the fair and equitable treatment of pilots under state law.