Cashiers that filed a class action lawsuit back in 2014 against the Big Lots retailer in California are finally seeing a resolution to their claim for unpaid wages. A federal court has given the go ahead for a $7 million settlement to resolve allegations that the retailer denied its cashiers pay for work while being off the clock and “gap time” pay for waiting to leave their stores after clocking out. The multimillion-dollar payout is set to affect over 31,000 current and former Big Lots employees in California.
Big Lots allegedly did not pay its cashiers when they worked through their meal and rest breaks as well as when they were kept from leaving the stores after clocking out. Cashiers claimed they had to wait for security checks to be cleared such as reviewing the contents of their bags before leaving and waiting for a manager to unlock the doors and arm the stores’ alarm systems. Although Big Lots does not admit any wrongdoing, they have agreed to pay out the $7 million to resolve these and other claims. The four named plaintiffs will receive an incentive award ranging from $10,000 – $15,000 and each class member will receive $126 on average.
Even if a company has established policies about when its workers should and shouldn’t get paid it doesn’t necessarily make it legal. If you feel you aren’t being compensated correctly for your hours worked, it is helpful to speak to an employment lawyer that can decipher if you may have a claim for owed wages. Fitapelli & Schaffer, LLP offers a free and confidential consultation over the phone and can quickly let you know if your situation is a matter we can assist you with. You can reach us at (212) 300-0375 or by visiting our website for additional information.