Lawsuit Challenges Overtime Pay Policy
In this case, a class action lawsuit was filed for former and current Kansas City employees who are emergency medical technicians and paramedics. The lawsuit claims that the “city has had a policy of failing and refusing to compensate its EMTs and paramedics straight time for all hours worked and overtime compensation for all hours worked over forty hours per week.” The lawsuit claims that this city’s overtime pay policy is in violation of federal law for some employees.
The Kansas City Fire Department has approximately one hundred and forty paramedics and over one thousand emergency medical technicians and the City Attorney Galen Beaufort stated that, “there have been recent changes in shift assignments for some paramedics and EMTs, but officials think they are in compliance.” The president of the local 42 of the International Association of Fire Fighters also claims that the system was carefully researched and he did not think that the fair labor standards act (FLSA) was being violated.
In Tennessee and all over the United States when employees work more than forty hours in a single week they are entitled to receive overtime pay. However, many businesses try to find ways around paying their employees overtime pay or just fail to do so completely. Sometimes some of these failures even go against federal law requirements for overtime pay.
Unfortunately cases just like this one happen too often to workers all over the country and even right here to Tennessee workers. If you or someone you know feels like you have not been paid the overtime pay you are entitled to by law, then we strongly encourage you to contact one of our compassionate and experienced Tennessee labor law and FLSA attorneys as soon as possible. We care about our clients and will work with you to make sure that you get the compensation you deserve for the hours that you work. Contact us online or call us at 800.705.2121 to set up a FREE consultation to discuss your legal options.
Author Bio
Jim Higgins, founder of the Higgins Firm, is a seasoned personal injury attorney with deep roots in Nashville, Tennessee. A 4th generation Nashvillian, Jim carries on the legal legacy of his father, a judge for over 30 years. After graduating from the University of Memphis School of Law, Jim’s career began on the other side of the courtroom, defending insurance companies and learning their tactics for minimizing settlements. However, he soon realized his true calling was fighting for the rights of the injured, and for the past several years, he has exclusively represented plaintiffs in personal injury cases.
Since then, his dedication and skill have earned him membership in the prestigious Million Dollar Advocates Forum, an organization limited to attorneys who have secured million and multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements for their clients. Licensed to practice in Tennessee, Kentucky, and Georgia, Jim focuses on personal injury, product liability, medical malpractice, and workers’ compensation cases. His exceptional work has been recognized by his peers, earning him a spot on the Super Lawyers list from 2021 to 2024, a distinction awarded to only a select group of accomplished attorneys in each state.
