Ten reality-TV writers and editors have filed a lawsuit accusing Fox Broadcasting
Co. and Rocket Science Laboratories of violating California labor law, the Los
Angeles Times reports.
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The lawsuit, which seeks back pay and unspecified damages, alleges that the
companies had the writers working long hours without overtime pay or meal breaks.
Zachary Isenberg, one of the 10 plaintiffs in the lawsuit seeking class-action
status, says his supervisor at the show "Renovate My Family" also
directed him to submit false time cards.
The companies declined comment to the newspaper.
In supporting the lawsuit, the Writers Guild of America, West, says it intends
to improve the working conditions for reality-TV writers, the newspaper reports.
"These folks are doing work under appalling conditions," says Daniel
Petrie Jr., president of the guild "They've made a lot of contributions
to the success of these shows and they deserve the protection and benefits of
the union."
Read more about overtime on Compensation.BLR.com.