What is the Missouri Corrections Officer Lawsuit?
The Missouri Corrections Officer Lawsuit is a class-action lawsuit filed against the Missouri Department of Corrections (MDOC) by current and former corrections officers. The lawsuit alleges that the MDOC violated the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) by failing to pay corrections officers for all of the hours they work, including pre- and post-shift activities.
The lawsuit was filed in 2012 and has been through several years of litigation. In 2018, a jury awarded the corrections officers $113.7 million in damages. However, the Missouri Supreme Court overturned the verdict in 2021 and ordered a new trial. The new trial is scheduled to begin in June 2023.
What are pre- and post-shift activities?
Pre- and post-shift activities are activities that corrections officers are required to perform before and after their scheduled shifts. These activities can include:
- Checking in and out of work
- Putting on and taking off uniforms and gear
- Conducting security checks
- Attending briefings and debriefings
- Cleaning and maintaining work areas
Why are the corrections officers suing?
The corrections officers are suing because they believe that they are entitled to be paid for all of the hours they work, including pre- and post-shift activities. They argue that the MDOC is violating the FLSA by failing to pay them for this time.
The FLSA requires employers to pay their employees for all of the hours they work, including overtime hours. Overtime pay is calculated at one and a half times the employee’s regular rate of pay for any hours worked over 40 hours in a week.
The MDOC argues that the corrections officers are not entitled to be paid for pre- and post-shift activities because these activities are not considered to be work. The MDOC also argues that the corrections officers are exempt from the FLSA’s overtime requirements.
What is the outcome of the lawsuit so far?
The lawsuit is still ongoing and has not yet been resolved. The new trial is scheduled to begin in June 2023.
What are the implications of the lawsuit for corrections officers and the MDOC?
If the corrections officers are successful in their lawsuit, they could be awarded millions of dollars in damages. The lawsuit could also have a significant impact on the MDOC’s budget and operations.
If the MDOC is found to have violated the FLSA, it could be required to change its policies and practices to ensure that corrections officers are paid for all of the hours they work. The MDOC could also be required to pay back pay to corrections officers who have not been paid for all of their hours worked.
Conclusion
The Missouri Corrections Officer Lawsuit is a significant case with far-reaching implications for corrections officers and the MDOC. The outcome of the lawsuit could have a major impact on the way that corrections officers are compensated and the way that the MDOC operates.
FAQs
Q: Why are corrections officers not paid for pre- and post-shift activities?
A: There are a few reasons why corrections officers may not be paid for pre- and post-shift activities. One reason is that the MDOC may argue that these activities are not considered to be work. Another reason is that the MDOC may argue that the corrections officers are exempt from the FLSA’s overtime requirements.
Q: What are the FLSA’s overtime requirements?
A: The FLSA requires employers to pay their employees for all of the hours they work, including overtime hours. Overtime pay is calculated at one and a half times the employee’s regular rate of pay for any hours worked over 40 hours in a week.
Q: What is the MDOC’s argument in the lawsuit?
A: The MDOC argues that the corrections officers are not entitled to be paid for pre- and post-shift activities because these activities are not considered to be work. The MDOC also argues that the corrections officers are exempt from the FLSA’s overtime requirements.
Q: What is the outcome of the lawsuit so far?
A: The lawsuit is still ongoing and has not yet been resolved. The new trial is scheduled to begin in June 2023.
Q: What are the implications of the lawsuit for corrections officers and the MDOC?
A: If the corrections officers are successful in their lawsuit, they could be awarded millions of dollars in damages. The lawsuit could also have a significant impact on the MDOC’s budget and operations.
Q: What is the most likely outcome of the lawsuit?
A: It is difficult to predict the outcome of the lawsuit. However, it is clear that the case has the potential to have a major impact on corrections officers and the MDOC.