A new lawsuit has been filed against a major governmental entity, challenging its labor practices and seeking justice for unpaid wages. On January 15, 2025, Michael Smith lodged a collective and class action complaint in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois against the Cook County Sheriff's Department. This legal move is aimed at addressing alleged violations of both federal and state labor laws.
Michael Smith, representing himself and others similarly situated, accuses the Cook County Sheriff's Department of failing to compensate employees for mandatory security screenings. These screenings, which took place before clocking in for work, allegedly lasted between 10 to 15 minutes each day and were crucial for maintaining security within the department's facilities. Smith argues that this practice resulted in employees not being paid for all hours worked, including overtime, thus violating the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and the Illinois Minimum Wage Law (IMWL). "Ensuring safety by such means was an essential element of the job duties," states Smith in his complaint. He further alleges that these screenings were integral to their primary job functions as correctional officers tasked with managing inmate populations.
The plaintiff seeks to certify this case as both a collective action under FLSA and a class action under Illinois law. By doing so, he aims to represent all current and former hourly employees who were subjected to similar practices over the past three years. The lawsuit demands actual damages for unpaid wages and overtime compensation, liquidated damages equal to those unpaid amounts, statutory damages under IMWL, as well as pre-judgment and post-judgment interest. Additionally, Smith requests reasonable attorneys' fees and costs associated with pursuing this legal action.
Representing Michael Smith are attorneys Hans A. Nilges and Robi J. Baishnab from Nilges Draher LLC. The case is filed under Case ID: 1:25-cv-00480 in front of judges from the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois.