News Summary
Curry College is facing a class action lawsuit claiming it violated the Massachusetts Wage Act by paying faculty members only once a month, causing financial strain for educators. The lawsuit demands $5 million in damages and highlights a troubling trend among higher education institutions regarding timely wage payments for faculty members. With implications that reach beyond the classroom, the case could potentially reshape pay practices in educational institutions across the state.
Milton, MA: Curry College in Hot Water Over Class Action Lawsuit
The peaceful campus of Curry College is currently buzzing with activity, but not in the way one might expect on a crisp fall day. Instead, the private university is facing a class action lawsuit that has raised serious eyebrows and generated a hefty dose of chatter around town. This lawsuit claims that the college has been a little too… shall we say, relaxed when it comes to paying its employees.
What’s the Fuss About?
Employees at Curry College are feeling the pinch, as the lawsuit alleges that they have been paid only once a month. Imagine waiting an entire month for your paycheck—that’s how some faculty members have felt, and the result? A serious backlog of unpaid wages running into the millions! You read that right—millions of dollars potentially slipping through their fingers!
The Price Tag on This Mess
The lawsuit is not just a feel-good story of employees speaking out; it’s demanding a whopping $5 million in damages. The legal action highlights that not only is this pay frequency against the Massachusetts Wage Act, but it has also led to untold agony for those who depend on timely wages to make ends meet.
A Trend in Higher Education
Interestingly, Curry College is not alone in this predicament. Similar lawsuits have been filed against high-profile institutions like Boston University, Amherst College, and even the revered Harvard University. It seems there’s a growing trend of educators advocating for their rights and demanding better pay practices across the educational landscape.
Inside the Lawsuit
The class action suit is primarily led by two plaintiffs: Emily MacIntyre, an associate professor, and Keith Fitts, an instructor. They are shining a light on the challenges faced by associate lecturers, lecturers, and those teaching overload courses. In particular, the timing of the paychecks for these employees seems to be a sticking point. Classes for the fall semester start in late August and run until December, yet the first paycheck for those teaching overload courses doesn’t arrive until October 1. That means students may have started attending classes, but their instructors are left counting down the days to payday.
Why Does it Matter?
Curry College currently employs around 500 faculty members, both full-time and part-time, and the outcomes of this lawsuit could affect them all. The plaintiffs argue that they never agreed to monthly payments and are frustrated by the idea that their salaries are being paid late. They are seeking not just compensation for unpaid wages, but also covering their litigation costs, reasonable attorney fees, and a sweeping injunction to put a stop to these pay practices.
How Serious is This?
The implications of violating the Massachusetts Wage Act are severe. If found liable, Curry College could be on the hook to pay employees three times their unpaid and/or late-paid wages. That could mean even more financial strain for the college, which could eventually trickle down to students in a variety of ways— tuition hikes, cuts to programs, you name it.
What’s Next?
A spokesperson for Curry College has confirmed they are aware of the complaint, but obviously can’t comment while litigation is pending. What happens next will be crucial not just for the plaintiffs, but for the future of pay practices at the college and potentially throughout the state’s educational institutions. With employees now standing up for their rights, one can’t help but wonder what other changes may be on the horizon.
As the saga unfolds, the college community and beyond will be watching closely. Will it be a swift resolution, or will this legal battle drag on? One thing’s for sure—Curry College’s situation is sure to raise eyebrows and keep everyone on their toes!
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- Boston Herald: Massachusetts College Sued
- PNJ: Milton Drops Lawsuit Against Mayor
- NBC Boston: MBTA Communities Law Milton Lawsuit
- FreightWaves: Investor Lawsuits Against Nikola Founder Trevor Milton
- Wikipedia: Class Action Lawsuit
- Google Search: Massachusetts Wage Act
