(COLUMBUS, Ohio) –– Teamsters Local 284 members employed by Republic Services of Columbus, Ohio, filed suit in U.S. District Court on Tuesday, March 13, to recover unpaid overtime for hours they were forced to work off-the-clock in violation of federal and state wage and hour laws.

Republic adopted a policy in May 2017 requiring all bargaining unit employees to spend time donning their required work uniforms and safety equipment before clocking in, and also that each worker clock out before removing their uniform and safety equipment at the end of each work day.

The policy of the company affects all 108 bargaining unit employees, and has resulted in the loss of thousands of dollars for members. The lawsuit presents an opportunity for members to recover monies they are legally owed under the law.

“The change in policy for Teamsters Local 284 members clocking in and out violates a long-standing practice of compensating members for activities which are clearly necessary and related to their primary work function,” said Mark Vandak, President of Local 284.

“This suit is intended to serve as a deterrent to the company’s cutting corners with the law at the employees’ expense,” said Brian Basham, Local 284 Vice President and business agent representing members at Republic Services.

The lawsuit, entitled Auxer et al. v. Republic Waste Services of Ohio Hauling, LLC et al., Case No. 2:18-CV-212, was filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Ohio in Columbus, and may be accessed online using the Court’s PACER website.

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