Hospital Workers to Receive $19.7M Resolving Claims of Unpaid Wages

Hospital workers for a hospital group based out of Florida have reached a nearly $20 million settlement to settle claims of significant unpaid wages. The hospital group, Sacred Heart Health System, has more than 2,600 facilities with more than 100,000 employees across the United States making it one of the largest healthcare providers in the country. The $19.7 million settlement will resolve claims for approximately thousands of hospital workers under the Fair Labor Standards Act (“FLSA”). All current and former non-exempt hourly hospital workers within the last three years stand to benefit from this payout.

The collective action lawsuit, which was initially filed back in March 2022, alleged that hospital miscalculated overtime by not including bonuses received during the pandemic as well as not properly refunding its hospital employees for all hours worked during pay periods that were deleted by a ransomware attack on their timekeeping system. As a result, hospital workers went significantly underpaid during these times violating their rights under the FLSA and local state laws. During peak pandemic times, it became common practice for hospitals in the industry to provide bonuses to their workers. The FLSA states that bonuses, commissions, and other extra pay must be taken into account when calculating overtime when working over 40 hours per week. This settlement will help provide immediate monetary relief to approximately 100,000 workers.

Hospital employees often work long shifts and must endure demanding working conditions as front line workers. If you work, or have recently worked in the industry and have concerns over your pay or how your overtime is being calculated, give our firm, Fitapelli & Schaffer, LLP, a call us to schedule a free and confidential consultation today. We can be reached at (212)300-0375 or you can visit our website here for helpful additional information regarding your workplace rights.