Have you ever heard of ABM Industries? They’re a major cleaning and facility services company, responsible for the sparkling sheen of countless buildings across the United States. But behind the polished surfaces, a darker story unfolds – one of wage theft and exploitation.
In 2021, a class-action lawsuit against ABM resulted in a staggering $140 million payout to 50,000 janitors. These hard-working individuals, who kept ABM’s clients’ spaces spotless, alleged that the company failed to pay them overtime wages they rightfully earned for years. Imagine working long hours, cleaning up after everyone else, only to be denied the fair compensation you deserve. That’s the reality thousands of janitors faced.
This wasn’t ABM’s first brush with wage theft. In 2017, they paid $110 million to settle another lawsuit brought by security guards claiming similar violations. It’s a disturbing pattern that paints a picture of a company willing to prioritize profits over its employees’ well-being.
The $140 million payout, while significant, may not fully compensate the janitors for years of lost wages. It’s a reminder of the power imbalance between large corporations and their workers, and the need for stronger regulations to protect vulnerable employees from exploitation.
This story also highlights the importance of collective action. By standing together, the janitors were able to hold ABM accountable and secure a measure of justice. It’s a powerful example of how ordinary people can fight back against corporate greed.
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. How much did each janitor receive from the settlement?
The settlement amount was divided among the 50,000 janitors, so the individual payouts varied depending on factors like their work history and location. However, the average payout was estimated to be around $2,800.
2. Is ABM still facing legal action over wage theft?
It’s possible. The company’s history of wage theft settlements suggests that there may be other cases pending or under investigation.
3. What can other workers do if they are being denied overtime pay?
Workers can file a complaint with the Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division or seek legal counsel to pursue a lawsuit against their employer.
4. What are the current regulations regarding overtime pay in the United States?
Under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), most non-exempt employees are entitled to overtime pay of one and a half times their regular rate for any hours worked over 40 in a workweek.
5. Why is it important to protect workers from wage theft?
Wage theft is a serious issue that robs workers of their hard-earned wages and undermines their ability to meet their basic needs. It also creates an unfair competitive advantage for employers who exploit their workers.
6. What can be done to prevent wage theft?
Strengthening government enforcement of wage and hour laws, increasing worker awareness of their rights, and promoting fair labor practices are all essential steps in combating wage theft.
References:
Janitors Settle Class Action for $140M in Owed Wages: https://topclassactions.com/lawsuit-settlements/closed-settlements/abm-industries-wage-and-hour-2-3m-class-action-settlement/
ABM Industries Overtime Cases: https://abmovertimecases.com/
ABM Industries – Violation Tracker: https://violationtracker.goodjobsfirst.org/parent/abm-industries
