Publix assistant managers want their overtime pay, file suit

Publix Super Markets managers are accusing the Lakeland, Fla.-based retailer for forcing them to work overtime without pay, reports news outlet The Ledger.

A group has filed a collective action lawsuit. Three current and past employees are accusing Publix of failing to pay assistant department managers overtime hours they worked before and after they clocked in and during unpaid breaks. The workers were employed at stores in Georgia, Florida, and Tennessee.

The managers claim they walked the floor with supervisors, cleaned, organized stock and assisted shoppers when they were officially off the clock. They also allege they were interrupted during unpaid breaks to deal with situations.

Compensation is also wanted for any tasks done off the store floor, like communicating with co-workers and supervisors either by phone or text.

The managers said they worked at least five overtime hours per week that went unpaid. Publix, according to the suit, did not offer a method to record the overtime work.

The workers want to be paid for all overtime hours worked starting on Oct. 18, 2020, through the date of when the verdict in the lawsuit is made.

A judge must approve the class action before it goes to court.

The lawsuit also states other workers should be made aware of the court action and offer them the chance to join.

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