Melehy & Associates LLC wins decisive, landmark case in favor of fair pay for front-line grocery store workers.

For Sales Representatives who are responsible for stocking shelves at supermarket chains, working hours can range between 50-80 hours per week or more and often, overtime is not compensated fairly according to the law.

Melehy & Associates LLC went to trial in a case involving several sales representatives, one who had worked for 14 years without ever receiving overtime pay. In a ruling, the U.S. District Court in Maryland decided that the Fair Labor Standards Act does apply, and compensation for unpaid overtime must be provided. In the words of one of the Sales Representatives, “I have waited a long time for this moment and now feel vindicated by the Judge’s ruling.”

Suvita Melehy, of Melehy & Associates LLC commented: “We are exceedingly pleased with the Court’s ruling, which will have far-reaching impact on many front-line grocery store workers all across the nation. The plaintiffs are essential workers who write orders and stock shelves at grocery stores. They deserve to be paid overtime pay for the countless hours they toil to ensure that food gets to our tables. The pandemic has brought to the forefront the importance of the plaintiffs’ work and it is our hope that this ruling will bring about much-needed change to the industry to ensure that these workers are not exploited.”