A welder who worked for Houston-based Apache Corp. has sued the oil and gas exploration and production company for unpaid overtime and is seeking class action status for other welders who allegedly were not paid properly.
Phillip Lanier sued Apache in federal court in Houston earlier this month for paying him straight time rather than time and one-half when he worked more than 40 hours a week. The company classified Lanier as an independent contractor, a relationship that gives individuals control over where, how and when to get their work done. Apache, however, prohibited Lanier from working for other employers while he worked at Apache, according to the lawsuit.
An Apache spokeswoman said the company would not comment. The company has not filed a response to the lawsuit.
Lanier, who worked for Apache between July 2009 and February 2015, is seeking overtime wages plus an equal amount in damages.
This article first appeared on the Houston Chronicle – an Energy Voice content partner. For more click here.
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