The Maryland Supreme Court recently ruled that the de minimis doctrine applies to claims under the state’s wage and hour laws, delivering a notable decision in a case involving Amazon employees. This ruling has implications for our Rockville, MD employment litigation lawyer clients who are dealing with disputes over unpaid wages or time spent performing work-related duties. In this case, Estefany Martinez, a former Amazon worker at the Baltimore fulfillment center, filed a class-action lawsuit on behalf of approximately 24,000 employees, seeking compensation for the time spent waiting to undergo mandatory security screenings after clocking out.
The Supreme Court’s 5-2 decision confirmed that the de minimis doctrine, which allows courts to disregard very small amounts of work time as legally insignificant, applies to the Maryland Wage Payment Collection Law and the Maryland Wage and Hour Law. Justice Jonathan Biran, writing for the majority, explained that Maryland legislators intended for minor, split-second activities to fall under the de minimis rule, reflecting the realities of the industrial workplace. Amazon argued successfully that the doctrine is a “background principle” of common law, and the Court agreed.
Despite the ruling, employees are not entirely without recourse. Evidence presented in the case showed that Martinez was owed $161.65 in unpaid wages for her time undergoing security screenings over 68 shifts. While the Court recognized the de minimis doctrine, employees can still argue that their time was substantial enough to require compensation. The dissenting opinion, authored by Justice Shirley Watts, emphasized that incorporating the de minimis doctrine could contradict the General Assembly’s intent to compensate employees fully for all work performed.
Employee Rights And Employment Litigation
For workers facing wage disputes or other employment issues, understanding their rights under state and federal law is critical. Our workplace dispute lawyers help employees evaluate claims related to unpaid wages, time spent performing off-the-clock tasks, or work-related activities that may not have been compensated. This case highlights the importance of documenting work hours and understanding exceptions like the de minimis doctrine, which can impact compensation claims.
Our employment law attorneys provide guidance for employees involved in class-action claims or individual lawsuits that consist of unpaid wages, overtime, or benefits disputes. They also help employees understand how doctrines like de minimis can affect their claims, making sure that time spent on work-adjacent activities—such as security screenings, clocking in and out, or mandatory training—is properly evaluated.
In addition, our employee rights lawyers can advise on broader issues, such as workplace discrimination, retaliation, and labor law compliance. Disputes over pay or work conditions often intersect with other workplace rights, and having Rockville employment litigation attorneys experienced in Maryland’s employment laws can be crucial in securing fair outcomes. Our workplace discrimination lawyers can provide strategic counsel when employers fail to meet legal obligations or when employees face retaliation for asserting their rights.
If you are an employee in Maryland who believes you are owed wages or have experienced workplace violations, consulting our Rockville employment litigation lawyers is essential. Our team at Eric Siegel Law has extensive experience representing employees in wage disputes, class-action claims, and employment law matters, providing guidance to make sure that your rights are protected. With over 30 years of combined experience, our team is ready to help with your case. By consistently being there for our clients, we’ve been rated as Top Attorneys on AVVO, recognition we hold with pride. Our clients see those sorts of accolades and know that when it comes to employment issues, we’re the ones to turn to for legal help. Contact our team today to schedule a consultation and discuss how we can assist with your employment concerns.