PHILADELPHIA — A former campaign staffer for the Philadelphia Democratic Committee recently filed an unpaid overtime lawsuit against her employer and the Democratic National Committee alleging she and others like her were not paid for all their overtime wages. The suit seeks class action status so that other similarly affected individuals can join the claim to recover all their back pay.
According to her suit, the 21-year-old recent college graduate from Virginia claims she routinely worked 80 to 90 hours a week on Hillary Clinton’s presidential campaign from June 2016 until August. While it is no secret presidential campaigns are grueling affairs requiring long hours by staff, the $3,000 per month the plaintiff was paid may not have been enough to comply with state and federal minimum wage laws.
The unpaid overtime lawsuit, in U.S. District Court in Philadelphia, alleges the defendant violated both the Fair Labor Standards Act and Pennsylvania Minimum Wage Act for not paying overtime. According to reports, the plaintiff claims she left the campaign early after sensing she was being taken advantage of by the organization.
On its face, the nature of the suit leaves some asking whether the Democratic Party, which campaigned on raising the minimum wage, adhered to its principles towards wages and labor. This year, President Barack Obama signed new legislation increasing the salary overtime threshold from $23,660 to $47,476 ($913 per week).
The major claim of the suit alleges the Philadelphia Democratic Committee violated the Fair Labor Standards Act by improperly classifying the plaintiff and others as either performing “administrative” or “managerial” duties. Under the act, only certain classes of employees performing certain duties may be made overtime exempt.
All too often, salaried employers assume their employers comply with state and federal overtime laws, when in fact the employees are merely given a title to be overtime exempt. Fortunately, the law gives wage theft victims legal recourse to file suit and recover their back pay.
Political Campaign Staff Unpaid Overtime Lawsuits
Call (855) 754-2795 or complete the Free Unpaid Overtime Case Review form on the top right of this page if you believe 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.