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IAFF secures over $1 million for members denied overtime payments

July 24, 2024

IAFF wins over $1 million in damages for members

The International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) has secured over $1 million in damages for its members who were wrongly denied overtime payments by their municipalities, as reported by the IAFF.

IAFF General Counsel Peter Leff said: “These outcomes highlight the IAFF’s commitment and care to defending fair labor practices and protecting its members’ rights.”

The IAFF’s legal efforts have resulted in substantial financial compensation for affected members, including significant settlements for local unions in Texas, Delaware, and Arizona.

Local 5190 in Argyle, Texas, receives $800,000

Members of IAFF Local 5190 in Argyle, Texas, received over $800,000 in damages after IAFF Legal Counsel determined that firefighters working for the Argyle Volunteer Fire Department were private-entity employees.

This classification meant they were not eligible for partial overtime exemption under the Fair Labor Standards Act.

As employees of a private sector employer, these firefighters were entitled to receive overtime for all hours worked over 40 in a workweek.

Peter Leff emphasized the IAFF’s dedication to fair labor practices in this case, underscoring the importance of protecting the rights of private sector employees in the firefighting community.

Wilmington, Delaware, Battalion Chiefs win $460,000

In Wilmington, Delaware, Battalion Chief members of IAFF Local 1590 received $460,000 in damages after being misclassified as exempt from overtime.

IAFF Legal Counsel argued that the Battalion Chiefs were involved in fire suppression activities and thus were not exempt employees but entitled to overtime pay under the Fair Labor Standards Act.

The Wilmington Fire Department entered into settlement negotiations, resulting in compensation for the Battalion Chiefs and the reclassification of their status to non-exempt.

This change ensures that the affected members will receive all the benefits and rights that come with non-exempt status.

El Mirage, Arizona, settlement

In El Mirage, Arizona, a lawsuit filed on behalf of IAFF Local 4361 Vice President Shannon Glynn was favorably settled in March 2024.

Glynn was discharged by the city for engaging in protected union activities, including speaking out against the city’s pay practices.

The IAFF filed suit in the U.S.

District Court for the District of Arizona, and the case resulted in an amicable settlement.

The settlement included the conversion of Glynn’s termination to a resignation in his personnel file, a neutral job reference, $50,000 to cover his lost back pay and benefits, and payment of attorneys’ fees.

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