Scarinci Hollenbeck, LLC
The Firm
201-896-4100 info@sh-law.comFirm Insights
'Jersey Shore' Producer Sued for Unfair Pay
Author: Scarinci Hollenbeck, LLC
Date: April 18, 2014
Key Contacts
Back
Creating a television show takes a lot of work, money and long, hard hours.
However, this doesn’t mean that producers can neglect compensation laws. It appears as though this may have happened during the production of MTV’s popular reality show “Jersey Shore,” as the production company – 495 Productions – was recently hit with a class-action lawsuit for unfair pay, failure to pay overtime and violation of minimum wage laws.
No matter what type of work a company is doing, there are laws that need to be followed regarding employee compensation. For one, there is a federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour, which was established in 2009, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. Employers who violate the minimum wage or overtime pay requirements – two claims made against 495 Productions – can be prosecuted criminally and fined up to $10,000. A second offense might result in imprisonment.
Employee Compensation Laws
However, there are some types of employees who are exempt from minimum wage and overtime laws. Here are a few examples:
- Executive, administrative and professional employees, such as teachers and academic administrative personnel.
- Employees of seasonal amusement or recreational establishments.
- Farm workers employed on small farms.
- Casual babysitters and person employed as companions to the elderly or inform.
Clearly, none of the employees working on the “Jersey Shore” television show fall into these job categories, which is why they may have success in their lawsuit. The class-action lawsuit includes at least 100 people who were impacted during the TV show’s production. In addition to allegedly violating minimum wage and overtime pay, 495 Productions is also accused of not paying wages in a timely manner.
It will be interesting to see if these employees are successful, and if it will encourage workers on other TV shows to come forward about unfair working conditions.
- Industries: Entertainment & Media
- Locations: Red Bank, NJ, New York City, Little Falls, NJ
No Aspect of the advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court. Results may vary depending on your particular facts and legal circumstances.
Related Posts
See all
Pet Trusts in New Jersey and New York: A Practical Estate Planning Tool
For many of us, pets are more than companions—they are members of the family. Yet they are often overlooked or inadequately provided for when it comes to estate planning. A pet trust offers a legally enforceable way to ensure that your animal continues to receive proper care if you become incapacitated or pass away. As […]
Author: Marc J. Comer
How Can Trusts Be Used in Business Succession?
For many New Jersey business owners, a closely held company represents decades of work, financial investment, and personal sacrifice. Trusts in business succession planning are one of the most effective tools for protecting that value, allowing founders to control how and when the business passes to the next generation while reducing the risk of disputes, […]
Author: George McGowan
Read Before You Sign: IT Contract Pitfalls Every NJ Business Should Know
In today’s digital economy, New Jersey businesses of all sizes rely heavily on technology vendors, software providers, cloud platforms, and managed IT services. Whether your company is purchasing software, migrating data to the cloud, engaging a cybersecurity consultant, or entering into a long-term managed services agreement, a careful IT contract review can have significant operational, […]
Author: George McGowan
New York NDA Requirements for Businesses
Non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) remain a critical tool for protecting sensitive business information. However, New York NDA requirements have evolved, and businesses must ensure these agreements are carefully drafted to remain enforceable. In a competitive market like New York City, NDAs are commonly used to protect proprietary information, client relationships, and strategic plans. At the same […]
Author: Dan Brecher
New Jersey Will Contest Grounds Explained
How Courts Evaluate Testamentary Capacity and Undue Influence Will contests in New Jersey are difficult to win, given the strong presumption that a properly executed will reflects the testator’s intent. However, challenges based on lack of testamentary capacity and undue influence remain common, particularly where there are concerns about mental capacity or the involvement of […]
Author: Marc J. Comer
Legal Issues Before Bringing on Investors
Bringing on outside investors can provide the capital and strategic support a business needs to grow. However, raising capital also introduces important legal, financial, and operational considerations. Before bringing on investors, businesses should address key legal issues to reduce risk, streamline investor due diligence, and position the company for long-term success. Early preparation signals that […]
Author: Dan Brecher
No Aspect of the advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court. Results may vary depending on your particular facts and legal circumstances.
Sign up to get the latest from our attorneys!
Explore What Matters Most to You.
Consider subscribing to our Firm Insights mailing list by clicking the button below so you can keep up to date with the firm`s latest articles covering various legal topics.
Stay informed and inspired with the latest updates, insights, and events from Scarinci Hollenbeck. Our resource library provides valuable content across a range of categories to keep you connected and ahead of the curve.