What is a group lawsuit for alleged violations of employees’ rights?

A group lawsuit, also known as a collective action, is initiated when there are claims of employers violating federal minimum wage or federal overtime pay rights as per the Fair Labor Standards Act (“FLSA”). Under the FLSA, any employee who has been a victim of wage theft can file a collective action against their present or past employer on behalf of themselves and others who are similarly affected. To join this lawsuit, employees must express their consent by submitting a consent-to-sue form that will be provided upon the court’s conditional certification of the lawsuit. The FLSA safeguards plaintiffs from any form of retaliation or threats from defendants for participating in the lawsuit.