A certified class action lawsuit has been filed against Ohio's second largest employer for allegedly failing to pay workers for missed lunches. The class action was filed in the US District Court of Northern Ohio and alleges Cleveland Clinic failed to pay respiratory therapists and technicians who worked during their 30-minute lunch break. Workers were routinely called away from their lunches to respond to questions and treat patients. An estimated 165 current and former employees could take part in the suit.
Therapists and technicians help doctors and nurses with respiratory emergencies and treatments. They are paid hourly and work an 8½-hour shift, with an automatic subtraction for a 30-minute unpaid lunch break.