COLUMBUS — Two local government workers for Cuyahoga County, Ohio recently filed separate federal class action unpaid overtime lawsuits against the county alleging various violations of federal wage and labor laws over unpaid overtime. Together, the suits could affect almost 2,600 county employees and recover damages for unpaid wages, interest on back pay, court costs, attorneys fees, and any other type of relief the court may see fit to award the plaintiffs if successful.
According to the unpaid overtime lawsuits, both filed in U.S. District Court for the District of Northern Ohio on the same day, the defendant made systematic miscalculations to overtime payments for county workers. One suit brought exclusively on behalf of corrections officers claims that workers went unpaid for time spent on pre-shift roll calls and meetings and the other claims the county failed to factor in “longevity payments” for overtime wages.
The named plaintiff in the corrections worker unpaid overtime lawsuit brought action on behalf of himself and the estimated 600 workers of the Ohio Patrolmen’s Benevolent Association. The lawsuit claims the collective bargaining agreement between the county and the officers makes no mention of excluding hours from pre-shift meetings from overtime pay calculations. Under federal labor and wage laws, state and local governments may bargain with employee unions over when and how overtime pay is calculated.
The second unpaid overtime lawsuit may encompass the remaining 2,000 country workers, depending on their length of service to the county. Under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), employers must calculate overtime wages at one and a half times the worker’s average hourly wage. The average hourly wage should be calculated by taking all payments, including bonuses, commissions, and other cash payments, and dividing by the hours worked.
While many public sector workers assume that state and local governments comply with all applicable wage laws, many entities attempt to take advantage of worker trust and knowingly violate the law. In these situations, workers can recover up to three years of back pay and other penalties.
Government Worker 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.