May 7th, 2025
At A Glance:
The local chapter of the International Fire Fighters Union (4406) which represents Brownsburg Fire Territory (BFT) Fire Fighters filed suit against the Town of Brownsburg in Federal Court, alleging repeated violations of the Fair Labor Standard Act (FLSA). Despite previous efforts to resolve these issues, the town has failed to pay the overtime wages the union alleges they have rightfully earned by law.
While the exact amount of unpaid overtime wages is not available at the time of this report, given the number of BFT employees affected and amount of time which has elapsed, the of back pay and interest alone could approach or exceed 1 million dollars, excluding attorney’s fees and other relief available by law. These numbers do not include the town’s associated costs and legal expenses.
The Story Continues:
In January 2024, Local 4406 worked with Brownsburg Fire Territory administrative staff to correct an FLSA violation related to an error in pay rate calculations. This cooperation led to the discovery of additional potential violations. The local 4406 proposed a straightforward solution: calculate hours worked, and pay overtime for any hours exceeding 212 in a 28-day period as per FLSA 7k exemption.
March 2024, discrepancies in paychecks indicated ongoing issues. Attempts to resolve these matters through communication with the BFT Chief and with a Brownsburg town administrator was met with resistance, and there was a lack of engagement from the town administration.
The Local 4406 believed they have exhausted numerous attempts to resolve the matter through dialogue; they felt it necessary to file a lawsuit in Federal Court.
In their suit they seek the town follows all FLSA regulations going forward, a court ordered audit to accurately identify BFT Fire Fighters back wages with interest, attorney’s fees and other relief available by law.
In a prepared statement released to the media —
“While we always prefer to resolve issues amicably through dialogue, it is now necessary to bring this matter before a federal court. We are confident that the court will enforce our members’ rights and ensure they are compensated fairly.
Local 4406 remains committed to advocating for the rights of our members and ensuring compliance with federal labor laws. We urge the Town of Brownsburg to reconsider its stance and work towards an amicable resolution.”
Payroll problems are not uncommon:
January 2024: The matter currently pending litigation.
January 2024: Overtime correction paid to rectify an issue of underpayment to BFT firefighters in the amount of $35,514.21, covering back pay for a two-year period. While working in partnership with the town to correct the $35K issue, another matter was identified. This is matter is pending litigation.
November 1, 2021: Longevity pay correction of $34,267.51, that amount reflects the back pay for BFT employees for the period of 2019-2021.
Area union representatives and other BFT employees question why there are repeated inaccuracies in their payroll accounting.
The Brownsburg Sentinel has reached out to the town administration, the Town’s Legal Counsel, the Brownsburg Fire Territory Chief and members of the Brownsburg Fire Territory Executive Board for comment. The article will be updated should they reply.
Multiple news outlets are reporting The town has declined comment stating “The Town of Brownsburg does not comment on pending litigation.” — May 7th 2025 23:00.
The Brownsburg Fire Territory Fire Chief provided the Brownsburg Sentinel this reply:
“I appreciate the inquiry and have no comment on pending litigation.” — May 7th 2025 23:00.
Hendricks County Fire Fighters Local 4406
sues Town of Brownsburg over wage violations
The Indiana Local is heading to federal court after alleging the town refused to pay its members the overtime wages they’ve earned.
Local 4406 claims that because of this fact, their members “are owed overtime wages as part of their regularly scheduled work hours pursuant to Section 7(k) of the FLSA.”
The IAFF has been actively supporting the Local as they prepared their legal action against the town.
Fire fighters employed by the Brownsburg Fire Territory work a standard 24-hour shift, followed by 48-hours off. This schedule repeats over a 28-day period, with additional overtime hours calculated into their regular work schedule every third week. This means most fire fighters for the Territory work a standard 216 hours per 28-day period, or an average of 54-hours per week – far exceeding the standard 40-hour weeks most Americans work.
However, according to the lawsuit, the town has refused to provide any overtime pay beyond 212 hours during the 28-period.
“I’m proud to stand with President Brock and the members of Local 4406 as they fight to uphold fairness and their rights as fire fighters. These men and women work long hours protecting our communities and do so proudly. They deserve to be fairly compensated for the work they’ve already done,” said IAFF 8th District Vice President Mark Sanders. “While there’s a long road ahead, I’m confident that once the court examines the facts of the case, it will ensure Local 4406 members receive the full wages they’ve rightfully earned.”
The lawsuit asks the court to award backpay to the members named in the complaint, as well as any attorney’s fees and other damages the court sees fit.
>> Click Here << International Association of Fire Fighters Union complete press release.
Indiana Town Hit with FLSA Lawsuit from Current and Former Firefighters
Additional information regarding the complaint
is found at Fire Fighter Overtime.org
Article from FireFighterOvertime.org
A Copy of the Complaint Filed in Federal Court
Federal Case Summary
>> Click Here << to Download A Copy of the Complaint
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Content via:
Updated 2025 05 10 13:30
International Association of Fire Fighters Press Release
Updated 2025 05 07 23:00
International Association of Fire Fighters Local 4406 Press Release
Statements from Town of Brownsburg and BFT Fire Chief
The Editor
U.S. Federal Court – Southern District of Indiana
International Association of Fire Fighters – Local 4406
