Colorado Springs, CO: (Mar-20-07) A class action lawsuit was brought against the Colorado Springs Police Department and the city of Colorado Springs, by its police officers and sergeants. The plaintiffs alleged that the city violated the Fair Labor Standards Act by failing to pay overtime, failing to pay for off-the-clock work and failure to comply with requirements set forth by the Act. Sources state that approximately 700 officers were affected by the city's employment policies.
A settlement has been reached in the case, in which the city agreed to a $5.25 million payout, to resolve allegations. City officials stated that the city did not admit any wrongdoing in agreeing to settle. Over 700 officers will share the $5.25 million settlement, although it has been implicated that the city may have shorted officers $50 million. Records show that the city tries to set aside 10% of its budget to pay for issues like this. City spokespersons stated that the only reason city services would be affected by this settlement payment is if the city cannot replenish that part of the budget over the next three years. [
