Class Action Basics 101: The Role of a Class Representative in a Tampa Wage and Hour Class Action Case

There is no question that when one Tampa worker is denied fair pay, it often means others that are employed by the same employer and are subject to the same compensation system are too. Indeed, in many Tampa workplaces, pay practices are applied across the board. If one employee is not being paid properly, other employees may be subject to the same unlawful compensation scheme. In these cases, the good news is that Florida law allows aggrieved workers in Tampa to join together and bring a class action lawsuit to recover unpaid wages and hold their employer accountable. In this article, we explain the important role of the class representative in a Tampa wage and hour class action case and how to get legal help in Tampa now.

Who Is a Class Representative in a Tampa Wage and Hour Class Action Case?

It is important for Tampa workers to understand who a class representative in a Tampa class action wage and hour case is. Simply put, in every Tampa wage and hour class action case, a class representative must come forward to bring the claim and represent all other workers affected by the same wage violation. The class representative does not only pursue their own claim, but also the claims of everyone else who has been treated in the same way. For example, if a company fails to pay overtime to all hourly employees, one aggrieved worker can act as the class representative for the entire group of workers not paid fairly under the law. The court must approve the class representative and ensure they have claims that are typical of the rest of the group. This means that the class representative’s experience must be similar to what other workers experienced.

What Is the Role of the Class Representative in a Tampa Wage and Hour Class Case?

What does a class representative do in a Tampa class action wage and hour case? The class representative has several key responsibilities. The class representative must first provide information about the unlawful pay system that they and others were subjected to and they must be willing to bring a claim against their employer. Once the case has begun, the class representative acts like the board of directors of the case. The class representative keeps close tabs on the case and in touch with the lawyers on the case, and makes the big decisions, such as whether to settle the case or not. The class representative may also be required to participate in litigation, and may be deposed and required to provide documents and information during discovery. At all times, importantly, the class representative has a fiduciary duty to represent not only their own interests, but the interests of the class. In sum, the class representative is a critical part of a Tampa wage and hour class action case.

Where to Find Legal Help with Your Tampa Wage and Hour Case

If you suspect that you are not being paid in accordance with Florida laws by your Tampa-area employer, do not hesitate to discuss your potential case with an experienced Tampa class action lawyer today. The experienced Tampa class action lawyers at Florin Gray are here to help. Contact Florin Gray today and speak with a lawyer about your case now.