HARTFORD — A former claims specialist working for Metlife insurance company in Bloomfield, Connecticut recently filed a class action unpaid overtime lawsuit against the nationwide insurance provider, claiming that she and thousands of other workers are owed million in unpaid wages. The claim, filed in federal District Court for the District of Connecticut accuses Metlife of underpaying workers to the tune of $50 million dollars by improperly classifying certain employees as overtime exempt.
According to the complaint, Metlife underpaid workers in its long term disability insurance division over the past three years when it changed job title classifications in 2013 as a cost-cutting measure. The lead plaintiff alleges she frequently worked 45 to 60 hours per week, both in and out of the office, but was not paid time and a half for these extra hours.
Reports indicate that the plaintiff contacted the Connecticut Department of Labor a year ago about the defendant’s overtime policy and was told Metlife’s practices violated state law since her job duties did not include expected responsibilities to make her overtime exempt. The federal unpaid overtime lawsuit hopes to recover back wages for other similarly affected workers across the country, if approved as a class action by the court.
Who is Allowed to be Overtime Exempt?
Under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), employers can only classify certain types of employees as overtime exempt and pay these workers a flat salary. Types of employees that may qualify for this classification are managers, executives, administrators, and certain professionals and must perform duties critical to the company’s business operations.
Often times, employers give workers titles like “manager” or “supervisor” but the employees do not perform tasks consistent with what the law expects simply as a means to keep payroll down and increase profits. In these situations, workers have the right to file lawsuit to recover their unpaid overtime with interest as well as liquidated damages and attorneys’ fees to cover the cost of litigation.
Insurance Adjuster Unpaid Overtime Lawsuits
Call (855) 754-2795 or complete the Free Unpaid Overtime Case Review form on the top right of this page if you believe that your wage rights are being violated under the FLSA. Our top-rated team of unpaid wage lawyers will evaluate your situation to determine your best course of action to help you seek justice.
Our office will also determine if it is in your best interest to file a lawsuit against your employer. Because strict time limitations apply for filing these types of claims, we advise you contact our experienced unpaid overtime wage attorneys at your earliest convenience and preserve your legal rights.