Lyondell Chemical Company/LyondellBasell: New Unpaid Wages Lawsuit Filed

The experienced unpaid overtime wages attorneys at Coffman Employment Lawyers recently filed a new unpaid wages lawsuit against Lyondell Chemical Company (also known as LyondellBasell), on behalf of all of its hourly production and manufacturing employees. The lawsuit alleges that LyondellBasell failed to pay these employees for all overtime hours worked.

LyondellBasell is a large manufacturer of chemicals and chemical products used in agriculture, consumer goods, packaging, and healthcare. The company operates approximately thirty-seven facilities across the United States.

What is the wage and hour lawsuit against LyondellBasell about?

The lawsuit against LyondellBasell alleges that it required or expected its employees to arrive before the scheduled start of their shifts to perform work activities. Despite LyondellBasell employees arriving before the start of their scheduled shifts, the lawsuit alleges that LyondellBasell did not pay these employees for this pre-shift time.

Specifically, the lawsuit alleges that LyondellBasell’s hourly production/manufacturing employees were required to change into their uniform and put on personal protective equipment (PPE) before the scheduled start of their shifts. These items include things like a fire-resistant uniform, steel-toed boots, a hard hat, a respirator, and other items. At the end of their shifts, the lawsuit alleges that these employees would remove their uniform and PPE in order to put their street clothes back on.

However, the lawsuit alleges that LyondellBasell did not pay its hourly production/manufacturing employees for the time they would spend putting on these items at the beginning of the shift and taking them off at the end of the shift. The lawsuit alleges that LyondellBasell’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 LyondellBasell 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 LyondellBasell to pay our firm’s attorneys’ fees and costs.

Can LyondellBasell 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 LyondellBasell. If LyondellBasell 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.