The Missouri Department of Corrections (MDOC) lawsuit is a class-action lawsuit filed by Missouri corrections officers in 2012. The lawsuit alleges that the MDOC failed to pay corrections officers for pre- and post-shift work, in violation of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).

The FLSA requires employers to pay employees for all hours worked, including pre- and post-shift work that is necessary to perform the job. However, the MDOC argued that pre- and post-shift work for corrections officers was not compensable under the FLSA because it was voluntary.

The case went to trial in 2018, and a jury awarded the corrections officers $113.7 million in damages. The MDOC appealed the verdict, but the Missouri Supreme Court upheld the jury’s award in 2021.

The MDOC has since reached a settlement with the corrections officers in the amount of $117.5 million. The settlement will be paid to corrections officers who worked for the MDOC during the class period, which is August 14, 2007 to July 7, 2022.

FAQs

Q: Who is eligible for the Missouri DOC lawsuit settlement?

A: Corrections officers who worked for the MDOC during the class period, which is August 14, 2007 to July 7, 2022, are eligible for the settlement.

Q: How much money will I receive from the settlement?

A: The amount of money you will receive from the settlement will depend on a number of factors, including how much time you worked for the MDOC and how much pre- and post-shift work you performed.

Q: How do I claim my settlement?

A: You will receive a notice in the mail if you are eligible for the settlement. The notice will include instructions on how to file a claim.

Q: When will I receive my settlement payment?

A: Settlement payments are expected to begin in early 2024.

Q: What do I do if I have questions about the settlement?

A: You can contact the settlement administrator at 1-800-440-5339 or [email protected]

Q: Is the settlement final?

A: Yes, the settlement is final and has been approved by the court.

Conclusion

The Missouri DOC lawsuit is a landmark case that will have a significant impact on corrections officers across the country. The lawsuit shows that corrections officers are entitled to be paid for all hours worked, including pre- and post-shift work.

If you are a corrections officer and you have not received a notice about the settlement, you should contact the settlement administrator immediately. You may be eligible to receive money from the settlement.

References

• Missouri Department of Corrections Class Action: https://burgerlaw.com/missouri-department-of-corrections-class-action/
• Hootselle, et al. v. Missouri Department of Corrections: Home Page: https://law.justia.com/cases/missouri/supreme-court/2021/sc98252.html
• Judge says Missouri Department of Corrections must pay $2 million in sexual harassment case: https://www.kcur.org/news/2022-12-31/judge-says-missouri-department-of-corrections-must-pay-2m-in-sexual-harassment-case