Security Officers at Philly Parking Authority Claim They Were Not Paid During Required Breaks
A group of security officers who work for the Philadelphia Parking Authority (PPA) have filed a class-action lawsuit against their employer, claiming they were not paid for time spent on mandatory breaks that were automatically deducted from their paychecks. The lawsuit alleges that PPA's policies and practices are in violation of both federal and state labor laws.
According to the lawsuit, which was filed in US District Court in Philadelphia, security officers are required to take 30-minute meal and rest breaks while continuing to oversee the lots they are assigned to monitor. However, the breaks are deemed "illusory" by the plaintiffs because they are expected to remain at their posts, perform various tasks, and respond to customers during this time.
The lawsuit alleges that PPA's actions were willful and have resulted in the security officers being deprived of both regular wages and overtime pay that would have been earned if the breaks had not been deducted from their timesheets. The plaintiffs claim they reported their concerns to supervisors on multiple occasions, only to be dismissed or ridiculed.
One plaintiff, Terrez McCleary, who has worked for PPA since 2018, filed a complaint after being repeatedly told that her concerns about the unpaid breaks were unfounded. When she decided to contact a lawyer, her supervisor allegedly mocked her.
The lawsuit is seeking recognition of McCleary as the representative of a class of security officers and an award of damages for all unpaid wages, attorney fees, and other restitution. The suit will go to trial to resolve the claims.
A group of security officers who work for the Philadelphia Parking Authority (PPA) have filed a class-action lawsuit against their employer, claiming they were not paid for time spent on mandatory breaks that were automatically deducted from their paychecks. The lawsuit alleges that PPA's policies and practices are in violation of both federal and state labor laws.
According to the lawsuit, which was filed in US District Court in Philadelphia, security officers are required to take 30-minute meal and rest breaks while continuing to oversee the lots they are assigned to monitor. However, the breaks are deemed "illusory" by the plaintiffs because they are expected to remain at their posts, perform various tasks, and respond to customers during this time.
The lawsuit alleges that PPA's actions were willful and have resulted in the security officers being deprived of both regular wages and overtime pay that would have been earned if the breaks had not been deducted from their timesheets. The plaintiffs claim they reported their concerns to supervisors on multiple occasions, only to be dismissed or ridiculed.
One plaintiff, Terrez McCleary, who has worked for PPA since 2018, filed a complaint after being repeatedly told that her concerns about the unpaid breaks were unfounded. When she decided to contact a lawyer, her supervisor allegedly mocked her.
The lawsuit is seeking recognition of McCleary as the representative of a class of security officers and an award of damages for all unpaid wages, attorney fees, and other restitution. The suit will go to trial to resolve the claims.
It's crazy that these security officers were expected to just chill during their breaks and still do their job. I mean, come on! That doesn't sound like a fair deal to me. They're already putting in a full shift, and then they gotta sit out for 30 minutes without getting paid? That's not right.
That's unacceptable. I mean, who comes up with these rules anyway? It's like they think security officers are machines or something. Newsflash: we're human beings too! We need time to rest and recharge so we can do our jobs properly. This lawsuit is a no-brainer in my opinion. PPA needs to step up their game and make sure their employees are paid fairly for all the work they do, even during breaks 
. The fact that PPA is getting sued over this is totally justified imo 
. I hope the trial goes in their favor and those security officers get the recognition and pay they deserve 
. I mean, can you imagine if they just told their supervisor like, "Hey, I need a 30-minute break" and their response is just dismissive? That's unacceptable. It's not right that they're being paid less than they should be just because the company says it's okay to deduct those breaks from their paychecks 
. I'm all for fairness and equality in the workplace, and this lawsuit is definitely a step in the right direction 
.
they're like forced to stay at their posts but get no pay? that's not right... i mean i know they need to make sure ppl are safe while parking, but can't they just give them a little break? literally 
it's just not fair.
. I mean, 30-minute breaks where you gotta stay at your desk and still do work? that's like being expected to be asleep while still awake 
. Anyways, hope the court throws some shade in PPA's direction 
These security officers are literally being taken advantage of and no one seems to care. It's like, what happened to common decency? I remember my friend's dad working at a warehouse back in the day and he always got paid for his lunch break... that's just how it was 
. And now look at this, people are getting sued over not being paid for breaks? It's just not right, fam 
.
According to the data, in 2022 alone, there were over 100 class-action lawsuits filed against employers related to unpaid wages and benefits. And it's not just PPA - this is a systemic issue that needs to be addressed. Here are some stats: 
. The fact that they reported concerns to supervisors multiple times only to be dismissed or ridiculed is just heartbreaking 
. It's not fair that Terrez McCleary was mocked by her own supervisor 
. This lawsuit is a huge step towards justice and I'm rooting for the plaintiffs! They deserve all the compensation they're asking for 
.
.