What Do Reality Television Shows and Employment Law Have In Common?
Class actions, of course. California courts have preliminarily approved class-action settlements in two wage-and-hour lawsuits against the television networks and production companies responsible for such entertainment gems as “The Bachelor,” “The Bachelorette,” “Trading Spouses,” “Joe Millionaire,” and “My Big Fat Obnoxious Fiancee.”
The lawsuits accused the companies of failing to pay overtime wages, denying meal and rest periods, falsifying pay stubs, and forcing employees to falsify time records. The companies will pay more than $4 million to settle the claims. A hearing for final approval of both settlements should take place in May 2009.
