The Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development has received 10 wage complaints from workers who claim they haven’t been paid by their employer, Jellico Community Hospital. According to the wage complaints, workers haven’t been paid since January 17, and are owed more than two paychecks.
Jellico Community Hospital is the second hospital owned by a Florida-based health care company that has missed payroll recently. Big South Fork Medical Center in Tennessee had to turn away ambulances for several days in early February.
On February 19, Jellico Community Hospital had to stop accepting ambulances for 24 hours due to payroll problems. While the hospital is no longer diverting ambulances, their employees are still working without having received paychecks.
Wage Complaint FAQs
While there are some employees that may be exempt from some law provisions, an employee covered by the FLSA who can prove they haven’t been paid their wages or overtime may file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division (WHD).
What Does it Cost to File a Complaint?
It is completely free to file a complaint so the WHD can conduct an investigation, as the Department of Labor is a federal agency and doesn’t charge for its services.
How Long Do I Have to File a Complaint?
The FLSA has a two-year statute of limitations, but willful violations have a deadline of three years. This is why we recommend you don’t wait to file a complaint – any wages that were earned more than two years before your lawsuit cannot be collected.
Is My Complaint Confidential? I’m Scared I’ll Lose My Job.
All complaints filed are confidential, and your name and the nature of the complaint will not be disclosed. The only exceptions are when the individual give sus permission to reveal their identity as necessary, and when the WHD is ordered to reveal information by a court.
If I File a Complaint, Will My Coworkers Be Reported to Immigration?
The WHD enforces all labor laws without regard to an employee’s immigration status.
Devoted to Protecting the Rights of Workers
Donati Law, PLLC is on the side of workers. As individuals, it can be intimidating to file a claim against your employer, which not only has authority over you, but is also comprised of hundreds or thousands of others, and has their own legal team. This is why many workers ultimately decide to not file a claim. Our lawyers believe you deserve to be compensated for your hard work, and we can defend your legal rights fiercely. Our team is loyal to our clients, and we can stand by your side throughout the legal process so you’ll never feel alone. You can trust us to stay with you until the end to make sure you can return to work safely and without fear.
For quality representation in your wage and hour claims, call the experienced employment law attorneys at Donati Law, PLLC at (901) 209-5500, or contact us online. With more than 35 years of experience, we’ve handled a wide range of cases related to wage disputes, and have recovered damages for our clients.
