The case Hootselle v. Missouri Department of Corrections, initiated in 2012, claimed that the Missouri Department of Corrections (MDOC) failed to appropriately compensate guards for overtime hours worked across the state’s 20 correctional facilities.
Guards claimed that they were not paid for the time in which they arrived at the prison premise and need to undergo thorough searches and a metal detector, surrender personal belongings, and remain in uniform near inmates, ready to respond at all times. They also dedicate time to exit procedures, shift communication, and inventory checks for weapons and equipment, for which they were also not compensated.
As a result, pending in the Cole County circuit court, a preliminary settlement agreement found the guards in the right and will result in current and former prison workers in Missouri receiving a portion of up to $128 million.
The settlement talks have been underway for more than two years after a Cole County jury in 2018 ordered the state to pay $113.7 million to compensate an estimated 13,000 past and present correctional officers.
Further, beginning July 1, 2022 current prison guards and sergeants will be paid an extra 15 minutes of overtime for each shift they work for the next eight years.
Key lessons from this case:
- The settlement agreement includes provisions for future wage adjustments, demonstrating the recognition of ongoing concerns regarding overtime pay.
- The case highlights employees’ legal recourse to recover unpaid wages and seek compensation for labor law violations, emphasizing their right to file lawsuits and obtain redress for fair compensation.
- Employers need to accurately track, keep a record of, and compensate employees for all hours worked, including any additional time spent on tasks before or after their scheduled shifts.
If you want to know more about overtime regulations, read our guide on Missouri Overtime Laws.
