Compliance January 19, 2011

Jennie-O Wins Donning and Doffing Suit

January 19, 2011 (PLANSPONSOR.com) - The Minnesota Court of Appeals has ruled that hourly workers at Jennie-O Turkey Store are not eligible for additional compensation for time spent putting on and removing uniforms and safety equipment, according to Business Insurance.
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The ruling affirmed a lower court’s dismissal of a suit seeking overtime pay under the Minnesota Fair Labor Standards Act.   

The news report said in 2004, a group of current and former employees of Jennie-O alleged that the Minnesota Fair Labor Standards Act required compensation for every minute spent “donning” and “doffing” necessary gear and equipment required by Jennie-O to meet sanitation and safety standards, according to court documents.   

The case is Eduardo Rios et al. vs. Jennie-O Turkey Store Inc.  

In 2009, a federal court ruled that Tyson Foods did owe employees overtime for time spent “donning” and “doffing” (see Tyson Agrees to Pay for ‘Donning and Doffing’).

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