TYLER – A former employee is suing a Henderson oil services business, alleging unpaid overtime wages.
Martin Huddleston, on behalf of himself and those similarly situated, filed a class action lawsuit Feb 1 in the Tyler Division of the Eastern District of Texas against Bowman’s Oilfield Service LLC and Jim Bob Bowman, alleging violations of the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938.
According to the complaint, Huddleston was employed by defendant from Jan. 15, 2015, to December 2015 as a lead operator, which required him to clear wells, count gas, water, and oil as it came of a drill well, and do drill outs.
The suit says he worked more than 40 hours a week and sometimes worked 80 to 100 hours. Huddleston alleges he was paid on a day-rate basis and was not compensated for an overtime pay. He says the defendants knew of his overtime and unlawfully refused to pay him for his work, thereby unjustly enriching themselves.
The complaint states Huddleston was not an exempt employee, meaning he was entitled to be paid his regular wages and overtime.
Huddleston seeks a jury trial, unpaid overtime, liquidated damages for unpaid overtime or prejudgment interest, a judgment against defendants stating they violated the Fair Labor Standards Act, and costs of the suit including attorney fees. He also asks the court to leave this suit open for any future plaintiffs, and any other relief deemed just by the court. He is represented by attorney Josef F. Buenker in Houston.
Tyler Division of the Eastern District of Texas Case number 6:16-CV-00046-MHS