Chiro One Wellness Centers, LLC, a large network of chiropractic clinics, has faced a significant class-action lawsuit filed by more than 400 chiropractic technicians and assistants. The lawsuit alleges that the company:
- Failed to pay overtime wages: Chiro One allegedly classified its chiropractic technicians (CTs) as exempt from overtime pay, despite them working over 40 hours per week. This resulted in CTs being denied overtime wages they were legally entitled to under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).
- Violated record-keeping requirements: The lawsuit claims that Chiro One failed to properly track and record the hours worked by its CTs, making it difficult to determine the amount of overtime owed.
- Engaged in unfair labor practices: The lawsuit also alleges that Chiro One retaliated against employees who complained about their wages or working conditions.
Legal Proceedings and Outcome:
The lawsuit was filed in 2010 and gained class-action certification in 2013. After years of legal proceedings, the case reached a settlement in 2016. Chiro One agreed to pay a total of $2.6 million to settle the claims of overtime pay violations and $250,000 to settle the claims of unfair labor practices.
Impact and Future Outlook:
The Chiro One lawsuit highlights the importance of employers complying with federal and state wage and hour laws. It also serves as a reminder that employees have the right to be paid overtime wages for hours worked beyond 40 per week. While the lawsuit resulted in a settlement for the affected employees, it potentially raises concerns about the company’s labor practices and its treatment of employees. Moving forward, Chiro One must ensure it adheres to all relevant labor laws to avoid similar legal challenges in the future.
Disclaimer:
This article provides a general overview of the Chiro One lawsuit and should not be interpreted as legal advice. If you have questions about your rights as an employee or believe you may have been the victim of wage theft, please contact an attorney.
