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
A Whistleblower Just Filed a Complaint Against Your Company: Here's What to Do Now
Few situations create more uncertainty than learning that an employee has filed a whistleblower complaint. Questions arise immediately: Is the allegation legitimate? Should the employee be placed on leave? Do we need to notify our insurance carrier? Are we now prevented from disciplining the employee if there are unrelated ongoing work related issues? There is […]
Author: Sean M. Pena
Assignment for the Benefit of Creditors: An Alternative to Bankruptcy for Distressed Businesses
When a business reaches the point where it can no longer service its debts or otherwise resolve its liabilities, management is often faced with a difficult question: is a bankruptcy filing necessary or is there another way to perform an orderly liquidation or sale of the business assets? While Chapters 7 and 11 of the […]
Author: John D. Giampolo
Breaking Down New Jersey’s “Mansion” Tax: What Buyers and Sellers Need to Know
For many years, the New Jersey Mansion Tax has been a significant consideration in high-value real estate transactions. Recent legislative changes, however, have substantially altered how the tax operates, including who is responsible for paying it and the amount owed in certain transactions. Whether you are purchasing, selling, or investing in New Jersey real estate, […]
Author: George McGowan
Estate Planning for Digital Assets Under New Jersey Law
As our personal and financial lives increasingly move online, estate planning must evolve to address a new category of property: digital assets. From email accounts and social media profiles to cryptocurrency and cloud-stored business records, these assets often carry both financial and sentimental value. Yet, without proper planning, they can become inaccessible—or even lost—upon incapacity […]
Author: Marc J. Comer
The Role of Representation and Warranty Insurance in M&A Transactions
In today’s mergers and acquisitions market, representation and warranty (R&W) insurance has become a common feature of deal negotiations. Once used primarily in larger transactions, R&W insurance is now frequently incorporated into middle-market deals as buyers and sellers look for efficient ways to allocate risk and close deals. When structured properly, R&W insurance can help […]
Author: George McGowan
You Just Received a Federal Grand Jury Subpoena in New Jersey: Now What?
Receiving a federal grand jury subpoena is not something most businesses or individuals anticipate. While it can be concerning, a federal grand jury subpoena does not necessarily mean that you are being accused of wrongdoing. It does, however, mean that a federal criminal investigation is underway and that federal prosecutors believe you may possess information […]
Author: Sean M. Pena
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.