A group of Los Angeles firefighters, fire inspectors and helicopter pilots have sued the city of Los Angeles, claiming the city has failed to pay them overtime and other compensation, allegedly in violation of federal law.
"Los Angeles does not include applicable longevity pay, wellness bonuses, retirement incentive pay, special duty and platoon duty pay, and educational bonuses in the regular rate used for the purpose of calculating the amount of overtime due and owing to all Plaintiffs," says the lawsuit, filed in U.S. District Court for the Central District of California.
The city, in allegedly failing to pay the proper amount amount of overtime pay, violates the Fair Labor Standards Act "in a manner that is unreasonable, willful and in bad faith," the suit says.
The exact amount of the alleged underpayment has not yet been determined, the suit said.
"The employment and work records for the covered non-exempt Plaintiffs (including time and attendance records) are in the exclusive possession, custody and control of the defendant and the plaintiffs are unable to state at this time the exact amount owing to them," the lawsuit states.
It seeks a court order for the city to do "a complete and accurate accounting of all the compensation to which the Plaintiffs are entitled," and a judgment for that amount, plus interest and attorney fees.
The plaintiffs are represented by attorneys Dana Martinez, of Bush Gottlieb, of Glendale, and Lauren McDermott, Sammy Sugiara and Arthur R. Traynor, of Mooney Green Saindon Murphy & Welch P.C., of Washington, D.C.
Abram v. City of Los Angeles, U.S. District Court for Central District of California, 2:23-cv-09565