Steel mill workers in Alabama were recently awarded a significant settlement totaling over $13 million for unpaid wages. The class action awsuit was filed in Alabama under local state laws as well as the Fair Labor Standard’s Act (“FLSA”) for unpaid overtime. Over 275 steel mill workers stand to benefit from the $13.17 million settlement. Those eligible to participate in this recovery include all current and former steel mill workers that were employed by Outokumpu Stainless Steel USA, LLC since November 1, 2018.
The lawsuit, which was originally filed in 2018, alleged that the Outokumpu steel mill violated the FLSA by failing to properly pay regular wages, overtime wages, and bonuses. Specifically, the claims included timekeeping system issues that caused a (a) failure to pay wages for all hours worked, whether on the clock or off, (b) failure to pay overtime at one and half times their regular hourly rate for all hours worked over 40 which should have included monthly bonus calculations and (c) failure to correctly pay for overtime and wages in a timely manner. The approved settlement covers these alleged owed back wages as well as damages effectively ending their wage and hour claims.
It isn’t uncommon for industries that require labor intensive work, such as steel mill workers, to incorrectly compensate their employees under state and federal laws, such as the FLSA. Working off the clock without pay or not having your overtime correctly calculated are just some of the more common violations seen across the United States. If you have experienced similar work place issues or just want to find out if you’re getting paid in accordance with the law, give our firm, Fitapelli & Schaffer, LLP, a call. We offer a free and confidential phone consultation that can help you decipher if you may have any claims for owed wages. You can also visit our website here for additional helpful information regarding your rights.