OMAHA — A veteran security officer for the Nebraska state hospital system recently filed a proposed class action unpaid overtime lawsuit over allegations the the State of Nebraska, the Department of Health and Human Services, and various state hospitals refused to pay workers for all their time on the job. The complaint alleges that the state entities denied full pay for workers taking earned paid leave from their jobs if those hours combined with work hours exceeded the 40-hour overtime threshold under state and federal labor laws.
According to the class action unpaid overtime lawsuit, filed in U.S. District Court for the District of Nebraska, the plaintiff worked as a security specialist and medication aide at the state psychiatric hospital for 24 years. Starting in 2016, the plaintiff and other hourly wage earning security workers were denied overtime wages when vacation, sick pay, and other paid time off added up to an excess of 40 hours, only being paid for their regular hourly wages.
The plaintiff’s lawsuit alleges the practice likely took place at other state-run facilities, including Beatrice State Developmental Center, Hastings, and Norfolk regional centers and seeks class action status to allow other similarly affected workers to join and recoup their own back pay. Furthermore, the complaint asks for a court ruling to declare the state’s practice a violation of workers’ rights in order to stop the illegal wage theft.
Specifically, the complaint alleges that the defendant violated the state Nebraska Wage Payment and Collection Act. The lawsuit seeks to recoup all of the workers back pay with interest, attorney’s fees, and any other relief the court may see fit to award the plaintiffs.
The case is another example of the length many state institutions may go to supress wages for police, firefighters, first responders, and security personnel in order to stay below budget. Often times, employers rely on the good faith of workers in supervisors and policymakers who avoid paying these hardworking individuals all due pay.
Security 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.