Minnesota call center worker sues UCare for unpaid wages

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MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) - A class action lawsuit has been filed by Ivelisse Santiago against UCare Minnesota, alleging violations of labor laws regarding unpaid wages for call center employees. 

UCare Minnesota accused of wage violations 

What we know:

Santiago claims UCare Minnesota failed to compensate employees for necessary "boot-up and call-ready work," which is required before starting their scheduled shifts.

The unpaid work allegedly violates the Fair Labor Standards Act and the Minnesota Payment of Wages Act.

Why you should care:

The outcome of the lawsuit could impact current and former employees of UCare Minnesota, potentially resulting in compensation for unpaid wages and setting a precedent for similar cases in the call center industry. 

UCare response

What they're saying:

FOX 9 reached out to UCare for a response. A spokesperson said they have yet to be served on the lawsuit, and they have no prior knowledge of complaints of this nature.

"UCare has been a top employer for several years and standby our best class workplace culture. UCare follows all applicable employment laws and rejects the press release assertions from the Ohio-based law firm," the spokesperson said in a statement to FOX 9.