Case Studies

Jones v. Producers Service Corporation
Court: U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit
Case No.: 23-3247

In Jones v. Producers Service Corporation, the Sixth Circuit addressed the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) concerning oilfield technicians who sued their employer, Producers Service Corporation (PSC), for unpaid overtime compensation. The technicians claimed they were owed back pay, while PSC argued it complied with the FLSA by utilizing a Belo plan that allows fixed salaries for employees with fluctuating hours.

The district court initially ruled in favor of the technicians, granting summary judgment and stating that PSC failed to demonstrate that the technicians’ job duties required irregular hours, as needed under the Belo plan. However, the appeals court found that there was a genuine dispute of fact regarding whether the technicians’ job duties necessitated irregular hours or if fluctuations were due to demand for PSC's services.

The court analyzed the nature of the technicians' work, industry practices, and evidence presented by PSC regarding demand fluctuations. Ultimately, the appeals court reversed the district court's decision, concluding that sufficient evidence warranted further proceedings.

This case highlights the complexities of applying the FLSA and the significance of job duties and industry standards in determining employee compensation exemptions, marking a significant victory for Kegler Brown attorneys in advocating for their client, Producers Service Corporation.