$36M Overtime Win for Healthcare Workers: Know Your Rights and Protect Your Pay

In a groundbreaking case, nursing facilities in Pennsylvania have been ordered to pay $36 million in overtime wages and damages to thousands of workers. This victory follows a Department of Labor investigation that uncovered systemic wage theft, where employees were routinely underpaid and denied their rightful compensation. The federal court’s ruling sends a powerful message to healthcare employers: Violating labor laws will come at a high cost.

For the affected workers, this decision is more than just a financial win; it’s a validation of their rights and the challenges they face in the healthcare industry. These employees were victims of common wage and hour violations, such as being forced to work through unpaid breaks and having their overtime improperly calculated. Sadly, these practices are all too common in the healthcare sector, where long hours and demanding work conditions are often exploited by employers looking to cut costs.

If you’re a healthcare worker, it’s crucial to understand your rights under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). Employers are required to pay you for all hours worked, including overtime and compensable break time. Additionally, non-discretionary bonuses and shift differentials must be factored into your overtime pay. Unfortunately, many employers attempt to skirt these rules, but as this case shows, they can be held accountable.

This $36 million judgment should serve as a wake-up call for all healthcare workers. If your employer is not paying you what you are owed, you have legal options. You deserve fair compensation for the vital work you do, and standing up for your rights can lead to significant outcomes—not just for you, but for your colleagues as well.

If you believe your employer has violated wage and hour laws, don’t hesitate to seek legal help. Contact Kennedy Law Firm today for a free case review.