Class Action Lawsuit Filed Against Curry College in Massachusetts

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A courtroom scene symbolizing the ongoing legal battle involving Curry College.

News Summary

A class action lawsuit has been filed against Curry College in Milton, Massachusetts, alleging violations of the Massachusetts Wage Act. Employees claim the college’s payment practices result in delayed wages, affecting over 500 faculty members. The lawsuit seeks over $5 million in damages due to unfair payment scheduling, which reportedly pays lecturers only once monthly. The outcome could significantly impact the college’s financial practices and employee rights in the education sector.

Milton, Massachusetts: A Class Action Lawsuit Shakes Up Curry College

In a significant turn of events, a class action lawsuit has been lodged against Curry College, a well-known private institution in Milton, Massachusetts. Employees are raising their voices over what they believe to be serious violations of the Massachusetts Wage Act, claiming that the college’s payment practices have resulted in delays that amount to millions of dollars in withheld wages.

The Heart of the Matter

At the crux of the lawsuit is the allegation that Curry College is not meeting its legal obligations when it comes to employee pay. Under the Massachusetts Wage Act, employers are required to pay employees within six days following the completion of a pay period. However, employees at Curry College are asserting that the institution’s payment schedule is not complying with this law.

It has come to light that some employees are being paid only once a month, specifically on the first day of the month, for work they completed the previous month. This disorganized scheduling results in considerable delays in receiving wages that many employees rely on. The lawsuit points out that while classes for the fall semester begin at the end of August and continue through December, the first paycheck for overload courses isn’t distributed until October 1. Subsequent paychecks follow on November 1, December 1, and January 1 of the following year—creating a cycle of late payments.

The Figures Add Up

The plaintiffs, led by former associate professor Emily MacIntyre and current lecturer Keith Fitts, are seeking a whopping amount of over $5 million in damages from the college. Their claim targets the specific payment practices that affect associate lecturers, lecturers, and senior lecturers who teach overload courses. They argue that these practices are not only unfair but have not been agreed upon, further complicating the situation.

Employees have voiced their frustrations, suggesting that the college’s policies have left many feeling financially strained and unable to manage their personal finances effectively. As Curry College employs around 500 full-time and part-time faculty members across its Milton and Plymouth campuses, the number of affected employees could be substantial.

Legal Ramifications

If the plaintiffs win their case, it could lead to substantial legal consequences for the college. According to the terms of the Massachusetts Wage Act, employers who fail to comply with the payment schedule must pay employees three times their unpaid and/or late wages. This could significantly increase the financial burden on Curry College, should the court rule in favor of the employees.

The plaintiffs in this class action suit are not just looking for compensation for late payments; they are also seeking statutory damages, costs related to the litigation, attorney fees, and both pre-judgment and post-judgment interest. Additionally, they want a permanent injunction against the college’s current pay practices, to ensure that future employees are not subjected to the same negative experience.

The College’s Response

While Curry College is aware of the lawsuit, a spokesperson has indicated that the institution will not provide comments on pending litigation. For many faculty members, the outcome of this lawsuit can not only impact their financial situation but also raise questions about how the college manages its workforce.

This lawsuit follows similar actions against other prestigious institutions, including Boston University, Amherst College, and Harvard University. As these controversies unfold, they reveal an ongoing challenge within academic institutions related to fair pay and employee rights.

What’s Next?

As the legal battle commences, all eyes will be on Curry College to see how they respond to these serious allegations. For faculty members and concerned observers, the hope is that this matter will shed light on vital issues related to wages and could potentially lead to changes in how payments are handled in the education sector.