SHERMAN - A Northeast Texas nonprofit organization is being sued for violating labor laws by forcing its employees to document working only 40 hours of work per week.
Claiming he was not compensated for his overtime, James Brevelle, individually and on behalf of all others similarly situated, filed suit against Goodwill Industries of Northeast Texas Inc. on Aug. 22 in the Eastern District of Texas, Sherman Division.
The plaintiff and class members are current and former delivery and pickup drivers for the defendant, who claim they were not properly compensated for their work time.
Brevelle has worked for the defendant for the past year and a half, with his job duties consisting of picking up donations from individuals and driving them to the Goodwill warehouse. He states he was not compensated for hours worked in excess of 40 in a workweek.
Specifically, the defendant is accused of violating the Fair Labor Standards Act by only allowing employees to record 40 hours per week, even though they consistently work more than 40. Brevelle states he complained about not being paid properly for overtime but the illegal practices continued.
On behalf of himself and others, the plaintiff is asking for an award of unpaid back wages, liquidated damages, court costs, attorney's fees and interest.
Brevelle is represented by J. Derek Braziel and Meredith Mathews of Lee & Braziel in Dallas. A jury trial is requested.
U.S. District Judge Richard A. Schell is assigned to the case.
Case No. 4:11-cv-00535