Call Center Employees to Receive $1.2M for Unpaid Wages

Call center employees for an insurance health provider have reached a settlement resolving claims of unpaid wages. These workers alleged that their employer, Aon Hewitt Health Market Insurance Solutions Inc., failed to properly compensate them for all hours worked and both sides have asked an Illinois federal judge to give final approval of their $1.25 million class and collective action settlement. Nearly 600 call center employees stand to benefit from the $1.2 million settlement.

The lawsuit, which was filed in Illinois back in March of 2019, alleged that Aon failed to pay its call center employees for off the clock work completed pre- and post-shift as well as for work during breaks. Employees spent significant time outside of their clocked in shift times completing necessary prep work to either start or end their shifts. For example, employees had to boot up computers and initialize all software programs, as well as read all company emails and instructions for the day. Additionally, call center employees had to complete all customer service calls, close down software and log off computer systems all of which went uncompensated. Not paying employees for all hours worked is in direct violation of the Fair Labor Standards Act (“FLSA”) and Illinois wage laws.

Unfortunately, it is not uncommon for employees in this industry to be required to complete work before or after shifts start and end. However, federal law, such as the FLSA, requires employers to compensate its workers for any off-the-clock time. It is important to remember that even seemingly small amounts of off-the-clock work adds up over time. If you have any questions or concerns about your pay, call our employment law firm, Fitapelli & Schaffer, LLP, for a free and confidential consultation to see if you may be leaving any of your hard earned wages on the table. We can be reached at (212) 300-0375 or you can find additional information regarding your rights on our website here.