A class action lawsuit has been filed against one of the largest banks in the US, Bank of America, by more than a dozen employees.
Filed on Friday 4th June, the lawsuit alleges that the bank failed to pay overtime to employees in a number of states including Washington, Kansas, Texas, Florida and California. The complainants – current and former tellers amongst them – have said that Bank of America breached state laws or the Fair Labor Standards Act by not paying overtime to those working more than 40 hours a week.
The employees did receive compensatory time-off in lieu of overtime payment; some of the complainants allege they were either told not to put more than 40 hours a week on their time sheets or that the bank modified their recorded hours.
Despite Bank of America reportedly wanting the case to be heard in Los Angeles, the lawsuit will now be adjudicated in Kansas City.
The plaintiffs are demanding compensation in the form of legal fees, back pay and other associated damages. Bloomberg estimates that as many as 180,000 employees nationwide could be impacted, amounting to an estimated $100 million. If BOA lose the case, it is likely that claims for damages will be dealt with by the company’s professional insurance.