Facts

Edgar Orzoco filed a class action suit against Exxon subcontractor, Ardent Companies Inc., on behalf of Ardent's electricians. The class was comprised of electricians employed by Ardent on an hourly basis that provided services on oil drilling platforms off the coast of California for 12-hour multi-day shifts, or hitches.

PLAINTIFFS' CONTENTIONS: Plaintiffs contended that it was mandatory for them to remain on call for 12 hours following the completion of their 12-hour shift. Plaintiffs also contended that they were not compensated for the time spent on land in California or commuting from shore to platform and back. Plaintiffs also contended that defendant did not pay them the overtime pay that they earned by staying on call for 12 hours after their ship and failed to provide state and federally mandated meal and rest breaks. Plaintiffs further contended that defendant did not adhere to minimum wage and overtime rules when compensating plaintiffs.

DEFENDANT'S CONTENTIONS: Defendant denied the contentions.

Result

The parties entered a $2.3 million settlement.

Other Information

Each proposed class member may recover approximately $14,828 from the settlement.