Recent Court Decision Enhances Vulnerability of Employers in FLSA Lawsuits Regarding Donning and Doffing

In a significant ruling that will impact Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) lawsuits, a recent court decision on a ‘donning and doffing’ case involving oil rig workers has made employers more vulnerable to legal action. The case in question, Tyger v. Precision Drilling Corp., revolved around the payment of oil rig workers for the time spent in ‘donning and doffing’ their gear before and after work. This article delves into the background of the case, analyzes the court’s decision, and explores its implications for employers and HR professionals.

Background on the Tyger v. Precision Drilling Corp. Case

The lawsuit filed against Precision Drilling Corp. by oil rig workers sought compensation for the time spent in putting on and taking off necessary work gear.

Precision Drilling Corp. contended that they were not obligated to pay workers for the ‘preliminary’ and ‘postliminary’ activities under the Portal-to-Portal Act, which classifies such activities as non-compensable.

The Appeals Court for the Third Circuit rejected Precision Drilling Corp.’s claim, deeming it invalid in this case.

Significance of the Court Decision

This ruling stipulates that lawsuits pertaining to payment for safety gear donning, doffing, and other related activities will be assessed individually based on their perceived “intrinsic” or “integral” nature to the primary work.

If the case reaches trial, a jury will play a crucial role in determining whether these activities should be compensated.

Comparison to a Similar Case Involving Amazon Workers

In a case in 2022, a judge ruled that Amazon workers should not be compensated for time spent walking through metal detectors before and after work, defining it as a “preliminary” and “postliminary” activity.

The appeals court’s decision outlined what constitutes protective gear that is considered integral or intrinsic to work, warranting compensation.

Relevance of Location in Decision-Making

The court identified location as a crucial factor in determining whether employees could don and doff their gear at home. This factor may hold significance in future decisions.

Implications for HR Professionals

In light of this decision, HR professionals are advised to review their compensation and overtime policies regarding donning and doffing, as well as any other preliminary or postliminary activities. Evaluating the potential integration of such activities into employees’ work will be essential to ensure compliance with labor regulations.

The recent court decision in the Tyger v. Precision Drilling Corp. case has highlighted the vulnerability of employers to FLSA lawsuits related to donning and doffing safety gear. The ruling requires a case-by-case analysis of the ‘intrinsic’ or ‘integral’ nature of these activities, with juries responsible for determining if compensation is necessary. Employers and HR professionals should review their compensation and overtime policies regarding donning, doffing, and other preliminary/postliminary activities to ensure compliance with labor laws. Given the wide-reaching implications of this decision, organizations must prioritize fair compensation practices and actively maintain legal compliance.

Explore more

Why is LinkedIn the Go-To for B2B Advertising Success?

In an era where digital advertising is fiercely competitive, LinkedIn emerges as a leading platform for B2B marketing success due to its expansive user base and unparalleled targeting capabilities. With over a billion users, LinkedIn provides marketers with a unique avenue to reach decision-makers and generate high-quality leads. The platform allows for strategic communication with key industry figures, a crucial

Endpoint Threat Protection Market Set for Strong Growth by 2034

As cyber threats proliferate at an unprecedented pace, the Endpoint Threat Protection market emerges as a pivotal component in the global cybersecurity fortress. By the close of 2034, experts forecast a monumental rise in the market’s valuation to approximately US$ 38 billion, up from an estimated US$ 17.42 billion. This analysis illuminates the underlying forces propelling this growth, evaluates economic

How Will ICP’s Solana Integration Transform DeFi and Web3?

The collaboration between the Internet Computer Protocol (ICP) and Solana is poised to redefine the landscape of decentralized finance (DeFi) and Web3. Announced by the DFINITY Foundation, this integration marks a pivotal step in advancing cross-chain interoperability. It follows the footsteps of previous successful integrations with Bitcoin and Ethereum, setting new standards in transactional speed, security, and user experience. Through

Embedded Finance Ecosystem – A Review

In the dynamic landscape of fintech, a remarkable shift is underway. Embedded finance is taking the stage as a transformative force, marking a significant departure from traditional financial paradigms. This evolution allows financial services such as payments, credit, and insurance to seamlessly integrate into non-financial platforms, unlocking new avenues for service delivery and consumer interaction. This review delves into the

Certificial Launches Innovative Vendor Management Program

In an era where real-time data is paramount, Certificial has unveiled its groundbreaking Vendor Management Partner Program. This initiative seeks to transform the cumbersome and often error-prone process of insurance data sharing and verification. As a leader in the Certificate of Insurance (COI) arena, Certificial’s Smart COI Network™ has become a pivotal tool for industries relying on timely insurance verification.