Supreme Court to Hear Pharmaceutical Representatives Overtime Pay Claims

In the ongoing case involving the GlaxoSmithKline pharmaceutical sales representatives as suit was filed against the company claiming that they did not actually close any sales so they were not exempt from overtime pay laws under the Fair Labor Standards Act. The GlaxoSmithKline Company claimed that if the workers acted like outside sale representatives then they were, and then therefore, they were exempt from overtime pay laws whether or not they actually closed any sales.

When the case reached the appeals court, they conflicted over the issue and the Supreme Court took the case. If the Supreme Court decides to side with the pharmaceutical sales representatives, it would mean that several lawsuits would get a head start and would be able to threaten the company and industry with millions in liability for back pay. If the court sides with the company, then the lawsuits fail and the company and others like it would be able to continue treating their representatives as salaried employees. The question in this case is how literally the Fair Labor Standards Act exemption should and will be taken.

A ruling on the case is expected at the end of June.

Tennessee employees and employees all across the country are entitled to be paid overtime if they work more than forty hours in one work week. However, just like in this case, there are some exceptions. If you feel that you may have an overtime pay claim and have questions, it is important that you contact one of our caring and experienced Tennessee overtime pay attorneys right away. We will work with you and help to answer any questions you may about your case.