A federal court recently issued an important ruling in the unpaid overtime case Warden v. Pilot Catastrophe Services, Inc. In this case, the court compelled arbitration and dismissed the collective action claim, effectively requiring individual arbitration for the claims under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).

What Happened in the Warden Case?

Brian Warden, a worker at Pilot Catastrophe Services, alleged that the company failed to pay him and others overtime wages, as required by the FLSA. He claimed that he and other employees were paid a flat day rate without receiving time-and-a-half for hours worked beyond 40 per week. Despite his efforts to bring a collective action on behalf of similarly situated workers, the court enforced an arbitration agreement that required his claims to be handled individually.

Why This Matters to You

If you worked for Pilot Catastrophe Services and were paid on a day-rate basis, you may also have a claim for unpaid overtime. The court’s decision to compel individual arbitration does not mean you have no recourse—it simply means you must pursue your claim independently. Many workers in similar situations may not even realize they are owed significant amounts in unpaid wages.

If you believe you’ve been denied overtime pay, contact me today to learn about your rights and options. Consultations are free, and there is no fee unless you recover. Call us at 817.908.9861, email me here or use this contact form for a free consultation.