Independence firefighter sues town for unpaid wages

NEW ORLEANS - An Independence firefighter has filed a lawsuit against the town for alleged unpaid overtime wages.

David S. Maurer filed suit against Town of Independence Louisiana on Aug. 15 in federal court in New Orleans.

Maurer was hired by the defendant as a firefighter in October 2011. During his employment, his work weeks comprised of more than 40 hours of work and he was compensated for overtime hours through a policy of compensatory time. In January 2013, the defendant’s fire department merged with the Independence Volunteer Fire Department. Maurer’s employment with the defendant was terminated and he became an employee of IVFD. At the time of his termination, he was owed compensatory time for overtime hours previously worked. He made a written demand for payment of unpaid overtime hours but the defendant has refused to pay.

The defendant is accused of violating the Fair Labor Standards Act by failing or refusing to pay Maurer at the rate of time and one-half for all hours overtime hours worked.

The plaintiff is seeking an award of damages for overtime hours, liquidated damages, penalty of up to ninety days’ wages, court costs, attorney’s fees, and interest.

Maurer is represented by Thomas J. Hogan Jr. of Hogan & Hogan in Hammond.

U.S. District Judge Sarah S. Vance is assigned to the case.

Case No. 2:13-cv-05450