Three lawsuits seeking class action status have just been filed in Pittsburgh, alleging that the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, West Penn Allegheny, and Pittsburgh Mercy Health System systematically cheated employees out of pay by automatically deducting a half-hour for meals, regardless of whether such a break was taken, not paying for work performed before and after scheduled shifts and not paying for required training.
Reportedly, nearly 700 former and current employees have already signed up to join the suits. However, as many as 100,000 past and present workers at the health care facilities could be affected by the actions.
The federal lawsuits filed against UPMC and Penn Allegheny April 1, include 104 UPMC healthcare facilities, and all 56 West Penn healthcare facilities.
The suit against Pittsburgh Mercy Health System, Mercy Hospital and several other defendants was filed Tuesday, March 31 by 2 former nurses, alleging they are owed back pay.
