CAMDEN, N.J. — Dispatchers perform very important functions for transportation services, public utilities, and emergency services, such as the police, fire and emergency medical services. Most dispatchers are responsible for relaying information to drivers and technicians so businesses work smoothly and efficiently. Emergency services dispatchers have an additional level of responsibility when handling stressed and emotional callers dealing with potentially life-threatening situations. They are responsible for taking 911 calls, gathering necessary information and relaying the details to the proper emergency services in a timely manner. Whether dispatching calls for emergency services or for power line repair crews, dispatchers often work long hours. Fortunately, dispatchers are entitled to overtime for the extra-long hours they work.
Recently, two Camden County dispatchers filed a lawsuit against Camden City in federal court for the routine denial of overtime pay since March 2011. The lawsuit currently only includes the two dispatchers, but they have asked the judge to allow the claim to become a class-action and include all 37 of Camden City’s dispatchers. The two dispatchers have handled 911 calls for the Camden County Police Department since 2003. According to the lawsuit, the dispatchers were regularly scheduled to work 60 hours one week and 25 hours the next week. The dispatchers claimed they received their hourly rate for the first 40 hours they worked, but never received overtime or proper compensation for hours beyond 40.
An employer’s failure to pay dispatchers overtime when overtime is due and required is a violation of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and can result in a lawsuit similar to the one against Camden City. With the exception of a few states, dispatchers are entitled to overtime if they work more than 40 hours in a seven-day workweek. A few states require more than 40 hours, while others allow for a two-week period calculation or have a maximum per day limit.
Depending on the state’s minimum wage and overtime laws, dispatchers with work schedules similar to the Camden dispatchers could have vastly different amounts of overtime. But they would all be entitled to some overtime. Under the more common 40-hour workweek, the dispatchers should receive 20 hours of overtime; but under the two-week calculation, the dispatchers would only receive 5 hours of overtime, since they worked 85 hours over the two weeks. Because calculating overtime and overtime pay laws can be complex, contacting a qualified overtime pay attorney can help you determine if you have an overtime pay claim and how much you are owed.
Call our experienced team of overtime pay lawyers today at (855) 754-2795 to discuss your situation. Or complete the Free Unpaid Overtime Case Review form on the top right of this page and our experienced legal team will evaluate your case. If we accept your case, we will represent you under our No Fee Promise. This means there are no legal fees or costs unless you receive a settlement.