HARTFORD — Two former Waterbury, Connecticut hospitals recently filed a proposed federal class action lawsuit against their previous employers over allegations the health care providers failed to pay the plaintiffs and others for all their due wages, including overtime pay. The lawsuit is the latest in a series of high profile claims against large hospital chains by nurses and other support staff claiming employers intentionally short-changed workers on their paychecks to save money on the rising administrative costs of doing business.
According to the complaint, one plaintiff worked as a registered nurse for 13 years at Connecticut Children’s Medical Center and the other as a physician’s assistant for 12 years at Connecticut Children’s Specialty Group Inc. The lawsuit claims the defendant denied the pair overtime wages despite routinely working more than 40 hours per week. The complaint states that the neonatal/pediatric nurses were only paid straight time for time exceeding the overtime threshold.
The unpaid overtime lawsuit points out guidelines issued by the American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA) in regards to when and how nurses should be compensated for overtime pay under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). The claim states, “if an employer chooses to pay PAs hourly, then the PAs do not fall into the ‘learned professionals’ category or any other exempt category, and the employer is required under the law to pay them at least time-and-one-half for any hours over 40 worked in a week.”
Potential Class Size Could Result in Significant Award
While it is unclear exactly how many potential claimants could end up joining the unpaid overtime lawsuit since the complaint does not list a specific figure, the possible award could end up being quite significant. Potential plaintiffs would include staff in the neonatal and pediatric units at Waterbury Hospital and St. Mary’s Hospital.
The lawsuit asks for back pay with interest, liquidated damages, and attorney’s fees. Often times, courts may impose injunctions on defendants to ensure proper payroll and accounting records are kept to prevent future wage theft allegations.
Registered Nurse Unpaid Overtime Lawsuit
Call (855) 754-2795 or complete the Free Unpaid Overtime Case Review form on the top right of this page if you feel that your wage rights are being violated under the FLSA. Our top-rated team of unpaid wage lawyers will evaluate your situation to determine your best course of action to help you seek justice.
Our office will also determine if it is in your best interest to file a lawsuit against your employer. Because strict time limitations apply for filing these types of claims, we advise you contact our experienced unpaid overtime wage attorneys at your earliest convenience and preserve your legal rights.