April 7, 2008 — Hershey Sued for Overtime Violations
"HERSHEY SUED FOR OVERTIME VIOLATIONS"
April 7, 2008, San Francisco, California, By Brandi Law Firm and Feola Law Firm:
Today The Hershey Company, a large, well-known chocolate and confection maker, was sued for violating the overtime and wage legal rights of its nationwide sales force since 2004. The San Francisco based Brandi Law Firm, in conjunction with Colorado attorney David Feola, brought suit today on behalf of three former Hershey sales representatives, seeking certification of a class of present and former Hershey sales representatives for violations of both the California and federal overtime and wage laws.
The lawsuit contends that Hershey changed the sales representative duties around the country in 2004 by removing their sales functions and requiring them to stock shelves, arrange displays, and serve as merchandisers while continuing to classify then as sales representatives to avoid paying required overtime. Merchandisers are not exempt from being paid overtime.
Thomas Brandi and David Feola said, "Rather than simply comply with the law, and properly classify these workers, Hershey told these workers they were not eligible for overtime, and that they had to work even more and more hours, be present at various stores by 7am and continue deep into the night. These violations were willful. We intend to make sure that all these workers are paid all wages and interest they are owed, and that Hershey stops further trampling the rights of its workers."
A copy of the lawsuit can be found at the website
http://www.hersheyovertime.com/
For further information please contact either Thomas Brandi at 415-989-1800 orr David Feola at 303-868-0492.