HOUSTON — A former oil field worker for EOG Resources filed a federal class action lawsuit against the company alleging the company failed to pay him and others overtime wages.
The lawsuit, filed in late June, seeks back pay and other compensation for the plaintiff and other similarly situated individuals who may be due back overtime pay.
The plaintiff claims he worked as a water operations coordinator for EOG and was paid one flat rate for a 12-hour shift as an independent contractor. According to the complaint, the plaintiff’s main duties included rigging oil field equipment and preparing work sites for oil and natural gas fracking sites.
Plaintiff Worked Seven Days a Week, Over 40 Hours With No Overtime Pay
While working 12-hour shifts, seven days a week, the plaintiff alleges he frequently worked more than 40 hours per week but was not paid time and a half for hours worked over federal overtime thresholds.
The plaintiff’s unpaid overtime lawsuit asserts EOG attempted to skirt federal overtime pay laws by classifying him and other workers as “independent contractors” even though they did not meet the standards for such.
The plaintiff’s lawsuit seeks back overtime pay, interest on unpaid wages, attorney’s fees, and any other compensation the court may deem fit. The suit was filed in Federal District Court in the Houston Division of the Southern District of Texas.
Federal Independent Contractor Wage Laws
Under the Fair Labor Standards Act, certain classes of workers like independent contractors are exempt from overtime pay. However, the Department of Labor and Internal Revenue Service have qualifications workers must meet for employers to be granted overtime exemptions.
The most important standard independent contractors must meet is independence. They must exercise control over their day-to-day operations. However, as with this case and many others, employers often exert too much control over their independent contractors by setting schedules and quotas and being able to fire them at will.
Do You Have an 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 and other employees 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 the 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.