Lawsuit claims Philadelphia denied 230 ranking police officers overtime pay.

In a significant legal development, more than 200 ranking officers from the Philadelphia Police Department are involved in a class-action lawsuit alleging the denial of overtime pay for emergency work. This case, brought forth by Chief Inspectors Christopher Flacco and Winton Singletary, asserts that these officers were not informed about a policy change enacted in 2013 that should have entitled them to overtime compensation for hours worked beyond their regular schedules.

According to court documents, the plaintiffs represent approximately 230 current and former officers who seek recognition and remuneration for unpaid overtime accumulated over the last decade following the rule modification. Although specific financial damages have not been disclosed, attorneys suggest the amount owed to the officers could be substantial, given the duration of the alleged unpaid hours.

The lawsuit, officially filed in August 2024, names several police commissioners as defendants, ranging from Charles H. Ramsey, who served during the administration of former Mayor Michael Nutter, to the current commissioner, Kevin Bethel. The officers contend that they were left in the dark about their eligibility for overtime pay, which was revised through a policy set forth by the Philadelphia Civil Service Commission in September 2013.

Prior to the policy change, overtime eligibility for ranking officers was restricted via the collective bargaining agreement between the police department and the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 5. Under this agreement, officers could only receive overtime pay for specific events, such as the Mummers Parade or other designated occasions. The plaintiffs’ complaint highlights that despite this longstanding union rule, the department failed to communicate the new provisions that expanded eligibility for emergency overtime pay.

The lawsuit also criticizes former police commissioners for allegedly neglecting inquiries concerning the lack of overtime compensation during various meetings. For instance, it claims that when the issue was raised, responses from former commissioners included dismissal of the concerns or derisive laughter.

Moreover, in 2023, it was discovered that firefighters in the Philadelphia Fire Department had been consistently receiving overtime pay reflective of this policy shift, exacerbating the disparity experienced by police officers. Chief Inspector Flacco indicated that he personally logged over 5,100 hours of overtime while Singletary reported exceeding 6,900 hours.

In response to the lawsuit, the city has denied the allegations, citing compliance with contractual obligations and asserting that some claims are barred by the statute of limitations. The city’s legal representatives further argue that the plaintiffs have not adequately reconciled their claims for pay against the terms outlined in the collective bargaining agreement.

As this case progresses, it highlights ongoing discussions about labor rights within public safety agencies and the complexities inherent in contractual negotiations and policy communications. The outcome may not only affect the plaintiffs, but also set a critical precedent regarding overtime pay for emergency services personnel in Philadelphia.