What is the Missouri Department of Corrections (MDOC) Lawsuit?

The Missouri Department of Corrections (MDOC) lawsuit was a class-action lawsuit filed against the MDOC by a group of correctional officers who alleged that the MDOC was not paying them for all of the hours that they worked. The lawsuit specifically alleged that the MDOC was not paying correctional officers for the time they spent performing pre- and post-shift activities, such as putting on and taking off their uniforms, conducting security checks, and attending briefings.

The Lawsuit and Its Outcome

The MDOC lawsuit was filed in 2012 and went to trial in 2018. In August 2018, a jury found in favor of the correctional officers and awarded them $113.7 million in damages. The MDOC appealed the verdict, but the Missouri Supreme Court upheld the verdict in 2020.

Conclusion

The MDOC lawsuit was a significant victory for correctional officers in Missouri. The lawsuit helped to ensure that correctional officers are paid for all of the hours that they work, including the time they spend performing pre- and post-shift activities. The lawsuit also sent a message to other employers that they must comply with the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), which requires employers to pay their employees for all of the hours that they work.

FAQs:

What is the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA)?

The FLSA is a federal law that sets minimum wage and overtime pay standards for most employees in the United States. The FLSA also requires employers to keep records of their employees’ hours worked and wages paid.

What are pre- and post-shift activities?

Pre- and post-shift activities are activities that employees are required to perform before and after their shifts, such as putting on and taking off their uniforms, conducting security checks, and attending briefings.

Do employers have to pay employees for pre- and post-shift activities?

Yes, employers are required to pay employees for all of the hours that they work, including the time they spend performing pre- and post-shift activities.

What if my employer is not paying me for pre- and post-shift activities?

If your employer is not paying you for pre- and post-shift activities, you may have a claim under the FLSA. You should contact an employment lawyer to discuss your options.

Is there a deadline for filing a claim under the FLSA?

Yes, there is a two-year statute of limitations for filing a claim under the FLSA. This means that you must file your claim within two years of the date that the violation occurred.

Who can file a claim under the FLSA?

Most employees in the United States can file a claim under the FLSA. However, there are some exceptions, such as independent contractors and certain agricultural workers.

References:

• Missouri Department of Corrections Class Action: https://burgerlaw.com/missouri-department-of-corrections-class-action/
• $113.7 Million Missouri Correctional Officer Class Action Suit: https://www.courts.mo.gov/page.jsp?id=171834&year=2020&month=04&day=22&splitdocket=No
• 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