On May 29, 2007, and July 26, 2007, federal judges in the United States District Courts for the Eastern and Middle Districts of Pennsylvania approved settlements totaling over $2.4 million in FLSA donning and doffing lawsuits brought on behalf of current and former meat processing workers. In each case, Attorney Pete Winebrake of The Winebrake Law Firm was appointed by the federal judge to serve as lead plaintiffs counsel.
FLSA donning and doffing lawsuits have become increasingly prevalent in federal courthouses throughout the United States. In these types of cases, workers generally contend that they are entitled to compensation for time spent performing various pre-shift and post-shift activities associated with the wearing and maintenance of sanitary/safety gear required by their jobs.