District of Columbia $334,806 FEMS Overtime Pay Settlement

Employees who worked overtime for the District of Columbia Fire and Emergency Medical Services Department between March 16, 2020, and July 25, 2020, and received $14 per diem hazardous duty pay may qualify to claim a cash payment from a class action settlement.

The District of Columbia agreed to pay $334,806.36 to settle a class action lawsuit alleging it failed to include the $14 per diem hazardous duty pay in overtime calculations as required by the Fair Labor Standards Act.

Who are the class members?

Class members must meet all of the following criteria:

• They are a current or former employee of the District of Columbia Fire and Emergency Medical Services Department.
• They worked overtime between March 16, 2020, and July 25, 2020.
• They received the $14 per diem hazardous duty pay during that period.

There are approximately 1,592 class members.

How much can class members get?

Each eligible class member will receive a payment based on the amount of overtime they worked during the covered period. The settlement provides for:

• At least 90.5% of the wages allegedly owed under the Fair Labor Standards Act overtime calculation formula (backpay)
• An equal amount (at least 90.5% of wages owed) in liquidated damages

This means each eligible employee will receive a total payment equal to at least 181% of the wages the district allegedly underpaid them.

The settlement agreement include a detailed list of individual payment amounts for each eligible class member.

How to claim a class action payment

Class members must submit the online claim form to receive payment. They can also update their address and contact information or select their payment option here. The claim deadline is Oct. 24, 2025.

Class members who are unable to access the portal or need assistance can contact the settlement administrator.

Settlement administrator's contact information: Collins v. District of Columbia, c/o CPT Group Inc. 50 Corporate Park, Irvine, CA 92606, 202-470-3520, FEMSSettlement@cptgroup.com

Information required

Class members must provide the CPT ID and passcode located on their settlement notice to access the online portal.

Payout options

• Backpay portion: Paid through the district’s payroll system for current employees or by check for former employees
• Liquidated damages portion: Paid either by check or digital payment per the class member's choice

$334,806.36 settlement fund breakdown

The settlement fund of $334,806.36 includes:

• settlement administration costs: $16,500-$25,000 (estimated)
• Attorneys’ fees and costs and $78,500
• Service award to lead plaintiff: $5,000
• Payments to eligible class members: Approximately $234,806.36 (Backpay and liquidated damages)

Any unclaimed funds will revert to the District of Columbia.

Important dates

• Deadline to file a claim: Oct. 24, 2025

When is the Collins v. District of Columbia payout date?

The settlement administrator will issue payments after Dec. 27, 2025.

Why is there a class action settlement?

The class action lawsuit alleged the District of Columbia failed to include the $14 per diem hazardous duty pay in the regular rate of pay for overtime calculations as required by the Fair Labor Standards Act. This omission allegedly resulted in underpaid overtime wages for FEMS employees during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The district has not admitted any wrongdoing but agreed to settle to resolve the claims and avoid further litigation.

Sources

1. Settlement website
2. Settlement agreement
3. Settlement FAQ