WASHINGTON, DC — Two former assistant-managers, one from Alabama and the other from the District of Columbia, recently filed a proposed class action lawsuit against Panera Bread in federal court over allegations that the company failed to pay them overtime wages and improperly classified them as overtime exempt under federal wage laws. The lawsuit states the pair were “unlawfully classified as exempt from overtime protections,” frequently working more than 40 hours per week without earning one and a half times their average hourly rate of pay.
According to the class action unpaid overtime lawsuit, filed in U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, the St. Louis, Missouri-based fast-casual chain classified assistant-managers as overtime exempt despite these employees performing most of the same duties as hourly associates. Under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), only certain classes of employees may be designated as overtime exempt and these workers are expected to perform specific duties to warrant such a classification.
FLSA Manager Pay Laws
Generally, managers are expected to perform duties that are essential to the daily operation of the business and engage mostly in supervisory activities including hiring and firing workers, setting pay rates, and creating work schedules. Unfortunately, some businesses give workers the title of manager in name only and require these individuals to perform the same duties as their peers but without any additional pay for working above the 40-hour overtime threshold.
The class action lawsuit seeks to recover back wages on behalf of the two named plaintiffs and any other similarly affected workers who may have been victims of wage theft committed by Panera Bread. The lawsuit estimates as many as 100 other assistant managers could be eligible to join the claim, if the federal judge hearing the case grants class-action status. Under the FLSA, wage theft victims can recover back pay with interest, liquidated damages equal to unpaid earnings, and attorneys fees to cover the cost of litigating the matter.
Assistant Manager Unpaid Overtime Lawsuit
Call (855) 754-2795 or complete the Free Unpaid Overtime Case Review form on the top right of this page if you feel 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.