A Japanese court on Tuesday ordered a low-cost airline pay damages and grant its cabin crew breaks during flights in a lawsuit brought against the company claiming the lack of mandated rest while on duty violated the country’s labor laws.

The Tokyo District Court ordered Jetstar Japan Co. to pay 110,000 yen ($780) to each of the 35 plaintiffs, noting that there is a “high level of psychological and physical stress” during flights.Under Japan’s labor law, employers are required to provide a minimum break of 45 minutes for a workday exceeding six hours, and at least one hour for one that exceeds eight hours. But the law also allows for exceptions for those in certain roles.

The cabin crew members said they worked over 10 to 12 hours a day without any designated break time, which they claimed was in violation of the law. Jetstar Japan countered that the nature of cabin crew work qualifies for an exemption under the law.

Of the 35 plaintiffs, 15 who were present in court on Tuesday welcomed the ruling, although some of them have expressed concern on facing pressure from the company, their leader, Kaoruko Kimoto, said in a news conference after the ruling.

Kimoto, 52, said she hopes the company will improve its shift schedules to ensure cabin crew get proper breaks, noting that the current system — with early shifts starting around 5 a.m. and night shifts ending around 10 p.m. — leads to fatigue.

“Although the company has for years told us it will take circadian rhythms into account when creating shifts, the situation hasn’t improved,” she said. “We also believe that how the shifts are scheduled and requiring the crew to work consecutive days (in both early and late night shifts) need significant improvement.”

Jetstar Japan said it is disappointed that some of its claims were not accepted by the court, adding that it plans to take appropriate action after examining the ruling in detail.

keyword Court ruling#jet star#fined#crew#Japan#