Baltimore County, Maryland, December 23, 2025
Baltimore County has settled a lawsuit filed by inmates regarding fair labor practices, agreeing to pay $1.46 million. The case claimed violations of the Fair Labor Standards Act, where inmates were paid below minimum wage and denied overtime for their work at the Material Recovery Facility. This settlement is seen as a significant step in advocating for inmates’ rights and may influence future labor policies in correctional facilities.
Baltimore County Settles Inmates’ Fair Labor Lawsuit for $1.46 Million
Baltimore County, Maryland has reached a significant settlement of $1.46 million regarding a lawsuit filed by inmates who worked at the county’s Material Recovery Facility. The plaintiffs claimed violations of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), asserting they received pay below the minimum wage and were denied overtime compensation.
Details of the Settlement
The settlement was finalized on December 17, 2025, creating a fund of $1.46 million for inmates who were employed at the facility between January 2018 and April 2020. The breakdown includes $40,000 for lead plaintiff Michael Scott, with an additional $45,000 distributed among six other named plaintiffs. This agreement is pending final judicial approval, with the county refusing to admit any liability related to the claims. A spokesperson from the county declined to comment further due to the pending status of the approval.
Background of the Case
The lawsuit was initiated in January 2021 when inmates at the Baltimore County Detention Center alleged under the FLSA that they were entitled to minimum wage and overtime compensation for their labor at the recycling facility. Although they were paid $20 per day for 12-hour shifts, they often faced harsh working conditions, including extreme temperatures. The legal landscape shifted in May 2024, when the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit ruled that incarcerated workers could be encompassed under the protections of the FLSA when performing work outside correctional facilities. This pivotal decision replaced an earlier ruling that had dismissed the suit, further advocating for oversight of inmate labor practices. After the county’s request for a rehearing was denied, the U.S. Supreme Court opted not to hear the case, solidifying the appellate court’s decision. Notably, the county halted the use of incarcerated labor at the facility in 2020, engaging temporary workers from a staffing agency instead. The settlement amount remains dynamic as it requires individuals who worked at the facility to file a claim, with over 550 potentially qualified, though reaching them poses a challenge. The plaintiffs’ attorney acknowledged the county’s leadership for settling the case amicably, while also urging the Maryland General Assembly to investigate the use of incarcerated labor and advocate for protective legislation.
Implications and Future Considerations
This case ignites ongoing discussions about how incarcerated individuals should be compensated for labor performed while imprisoned. The settlement may encourage other jurisdictions to reassess their policies concerning inmate labor and remuneration. Additionally, it underscores the necessity of legal protections for incarcerated workers and highlights a critical need for comprehensive legislative measures to prevent similar disputes from arising in the future.
Related Developments
In a dissimilar case, the Maryland State Police reached a $2.7 million settlement regarding a civil rights lawsuit focusing on allegedly discriminatory hiring practices. The lawsuit argued that specific fitness and written assessments used by the department disproportionately disqualified women and African American applicants. Although the department denies any wrongdoing, they chose to settle in order to resolve the litigation. Settlement terms include the implementation of lawful testing procedures and monetary awards alongside priority hiring for impacted applicants, pending judicial approval with a Fairness Hearing scheduled for March 10, 2025. Individuals who deem the settlement unjust have until January 20, 2025, to register objections.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the amount of the settlement in the Baltimore County inmates’ fair labor lawsuit?
The settlement amount is $1.46 million, established for inmates who worked at the Material Recovery Facility between January 2018 and April 2020.
Who are the plaintiffs in this lawsuit?
The plaintiffs are incarcerated individuals who worked at the Baltimore County Material Recovery Facility during the specified period and filed the lawsuit under the Fair Labor Standards Act.
What does the settlement entail?
The settlement establishes a fund of $1.46 million for eligible inmates and allocates additional amounts to lead and other named plaintiffs. The agreement is pending final judicial approval, and the county does not admit any liability.
What was the legal basis for the lawsuit?
The lawsuit was filed under the Fair Labor Standards Act, alleging that the county violated the act by paying inmates below minimum wage and denying them overtime compensation for their work at the recycling facility.
What is the current status of the settlement?
The settlement is pending final judicial approval. The county does not admit any liability, and a spokesperson declined to comment, citing the pending approval.
Key Features of the Settlement
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Settlement Amount | $1.46 million |
| Eligible Period | January 2018 to April 2020 |
| Lead Plaintiff Allocation | $40,000 |
| Additional Plaintiffs Allocation | $45,000 total among six plaintiffs |
| County’s Position | Denies liability; settlement pending final judicial approval |
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