Explosion of class action lawsuits focus on wage and hour violations; Certifying class easy under Fair Labor Standards Act.(Spotlight: Liability & Litigation) From: Business Insurance | Date: November 5, 2007| Author: Roberts, Sally | COPYRIGHT 2007 Crain Communications, Inc. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan.  All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group.Copyright information

Byline: SALLY ROBERTS

When an employer is sued for employment practices violations today, the suit likely doesn't allege discrimination or sexual harassment, but rather violations of state and federal wage and hour laws.

The ease by which plaintiff attorneys can certify a class or collective action under the federal Fair Labor Standards Act, coupled with worker-friendly state statutes and the lack of accurate time recording and reporting by employers, has resu...