Alaska Communications Sued in Unpaid Overtime Lawsuit

One of Alaska’s largest employers faces a class action suit that claims the company withheld overtime pay from its sales and marketing staff.

Alaska Communications Systems Group (ACS) was slammed with the unpaid overtime lawsuit filed by former employee Laura Lee Peterson. The suit alleges that the telecommunications company violated the Fair Labor Standards Act and the Alaska Wage and Hour Act by classifying its sales and marketing personnel as salaried employees, according to the Associated Press (AP).

A company spokesperson issued a statement to the AP that said, "Alaska Communications regularly monitors its employment practices. We abide by state and federal employment laws, value our team members and are committed to creating a healthy, positive work environment."

Peterson initially filed a complaint with the Alaska Department of Labor after repeatedly asking ACS to change her classification. Her lawsuit claims the state labor department took Peterson’s side and said she was entitled to more than $100,000 in overtime pay and damages. ACS says the state appears to have closed the case after being provided with additional information by the company.

Wage-and-hour lawsuits have increased sharply following the recession and the sluggish economic recovery in part due to the efforts of business to cut costs. Compared to 2008, the number of such suits filed last year rose 32 percent, according to USA Today.

If you think your right to receive overtime pay was violated by an employer, contact Sokolove Law for a free case evaluation. Call us today at (877) 490-6520.

Tags: