U.S. Supreme Court provides decision on changing clothes
The high court of the U.S. decided that time spent by workers changing in and out of protective gear isn't compensable. This major ruling may be favorable to business owners and managers in the steel manufacturing field.
The resolution of the class-action suit that involved about 800 employees of a major steel producer means that company is off the hook for paying out pay based on missed time and attendance, according to government news site AllGov.
The Supreme Court decided that existing provisions in the Fair Labor Standards Act mean that donning and doffing time, as clothes-changing periods are referred to, should be compensated but are also open to customary or explicit decisions made by labor unions and companies.
Mutual agreements in labor contracts supersede this specific FLSA provision, according to labor attorney Natalie F. Hrubos of firm Duane Morris LLP. The high court specifically ruled that of the varied protective equipment used by the steel workers, a few items did not technically qualify as clothes and did not fall under the provision. However, the amount of time spent putting on the items - including protective goggles and ear plugs - was too minute to measure.
All data and information provided on this news blog is for informational purposes only. Infinisource makes no representations as to accuracy, completeness, suitability, or validity of any information on this site and will not be liable for any errors, omissions, or delays in this information or any losses, injuries, or damages arising from its display or use. All information is provided on an as-is basis. Information regarding employment suits and other legal action is not updated after publication, and may not be current.