Working Without Pay as Part of Drug and Alcohol Rehab? Class Action Investigation into Potential FLSA Violations

Wanta Thome PLC is investigating drug and alcohol rehab programs that compel participants to work without pay as part of their treatment. Some drug and alcohol rehab operators and rehab facilities, as well as some group homes for people transitioning from prison, require program participants to perform work, “internships” or other duties—including, but not limited to manual labor—in exchange for treatment, counseling and/or room and board.

Some programs we are investigating include, but are not limited to, The Salvation Army Adult Rehabilitation Center (ARC), MN Adult & Teen Challenge and New Beginnings (also known as Meridian Behavioral Health), among others.

The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) requires all workers to be paid at least minimum wage for all hours worked and sets forth additional requirements that employers must follow, including overtime, time tracking and recordkeeping. If you believe your rights have been violated, we want to hear from you. The class action attorneys at Wanta Thome PLC are committed to protecting the rights of all employees. If you believe your rights have been violated, please contact us for a free consultation.

Read more on worker protections under the federal and state wage and hour and Minnesota Wage Theft laws.