Supreme Court to Hear Pharmaceutical Representatives Overtime Pay Claims
In the ongoing case involving the GlaxoSmithKline pharmaceutical sales representatives as suit was filed against the company claiming that they did not actually close any sales so they were not exempt from overtime pay laws under the Fair Labor Standards Act. The GlaxoSmithKline Company claimed that if the workers acted like outside sale representatives then they were, and then therefore, they were exempt from overtime pay laws whether or not they actually closed any sales.
When the case reached the appeals court, they conflicted over the issue and the Supreme Court took the case. If the Supreme Court decides to side with the pharmaceutical sales representatives, it would mean that several lawsuits would get a head start and would be able to threaten the company and industry with millions in liability for back pay. If the court sides with the company, then the lawsuits fail and the company and others like it would be able to continue treating their representatives as salaried employees. The question in this case is how literally the Fair Labor Standards Act exemption should and will be taken.
A ruling on the case is expected at the end of June.
Tennessee employees and employees all across the country are entitled to be paid overtime if they work more than forty hours in one work week. However, just like in this case, there are some exceptions. If you feel that you may have an overtime pay claim and have questions, it is important that you contact one of our caring and experienced Tennessee overtime pay attorneys right away. We will work with you and help to answer any questions you may about your case.
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.
