Over the past year, our team has noted significant activity in the area of employment-related class action lawsuits filed against mining operators and contractors, oil and gas companies, and other companies in the energy industry. These cases—generated mostly through a few plaintiff-side law firms—target alleged violations of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), including allegations in connection with hours worked, overtime, missed meal breaks, and donning and doffing time.
It is not unusual to see a spike in the filings of FLSA collective actions at the beginning of the year; however, the number of lawsuits targeting miners and other natural resources companies is noteworthy. If this volume persists, it could indicate an emerging trend of increasing litigation risk for the industry and is worth watching throughout 2025.
Husch Blackwell’s Energy & Natural Resources industry team and our Employment Class & Collective Actions practice group is closely monitoring these litigations. Husch Blackwell has a long track record of defending clients against these lawsuits, including some of those targeting companies in the mining and natural resources industry. Contact Donna Pryor or your Husch Blackwell attorney if you need assistance.