Facts

Richard Duplesse and Tom Fahrny were employed as paramedics by the Los Angeles County Fire Dept. Duplesse, Fahrny and 82 other employees filed suit against Los Angeles County, alleging violations of the federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).

PLAINTIFFS' CONTENTIONS:
The employees contended the County incorrectly calculated the pay rate of employees who worked paramedic and hazardous materials handling shifts, failing to include non-discretionary bonuses paid for working unscheduled shifts in regular firefighter positions when calculating overtime.

DEFENDANT'S CONTENTIONS:
The County contended that the rate was correctly calculated under the FLSA, because the plaintiffs were only entitled to discretionary bonuses when they worked in paramedic or hazardous materials positions, and only entitled to overtime compensation when they actually worked over 182 hours in a 28-day work period, not when they worked shifts outside their regular schedules.

Damages

The employees sought damages for lost income and liquidated damages.

Result

The court granted the County's motion for summary judgment and rendered a verdict for the defense.