Ellwood Group: New Unpaid Wages Case Filed

The unpaid overtime wages attorneys at Coffman Employment Lawyers have just filed a case against Ellwood Group, Inc. on behalf of all of its hourly production and manufacturing employees. The lawsuit alleges that Ellwood failed to pay these employees for all overtime hours worked because it required its employees to perform pre-shift work such as putting on personal protective equipment (PPE) before the scheduled start of their shifts.

Ellwood Group is a large producer of specialty metals and metal products that operates approximately two dozen facilities across the United States.

What is the wage and hour lawsuit against Ellwood about?

The new lawsuit against Ellwood alleges that it required or expected its employees to arrive before the scheduled start of their shifts and stay after the scheduled end of their shifts to perform work activities. Specifically, the lawsuit alleges that these employees will arrive early to put on PPE such as steel-toed boots, hard hats, safety glasses, gloves, ear protection, uniforms, and other items.

The lawsuit further alleges that Ellwood requires these employees to be fully “work ready” before they are allowed to clock in for the day. At the end of their shifts, the lawsuit alleges that Ellwood required these employees to clock out before they could take off their PPE.

The lawsuit alleges that Ellwood’s failure to pay employees for this work time resulted in unpaid overtime for its production and manufacturing employees.

What could I receive from the Ellwood lawsuit if I am eligible and choose to join?

If you are eligible and choose to join and we can show in the lawsuit that you were not properly paid for all overtime work performed for one or more reason(s), the law states that you could receive (1) unpaid overtime for up to the last three years of work; and (2) liquidated damages in an amount equal to the unpaid overtime (aka the potential for double [2x or 200%] damages). Additionally, if we are successful in the lawsuit, the law requires Ellwood to pay our firm’s attorneys’ fees and costs.

Can Ellwood retaliate against me for joining the case?

No. The federal law the lawsuit is filed under, called the Fair Labor Standards Act, prohibits employers from retaliating against employees for joining lawsuits like the one against Ellwood. If Ellwood retaliates, it may be held liable for damages, including reinstatement, back pay, and double damages (liquidated damages). If you have experienced retaliation or are concerned about retaliation, please contact our experienced employment lawyers so we can explain your rights and protections.