A federal judge based in Virginia has decided not to hold a medical staffing agency in civil contempt for delayed compliance with a court order over the payment of overtime under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). The agency, called Medical Staffing of America and operating under the name Steadfast Medical Staffing, was granted leniency due to what the judge perceived as a good-faith defense for the delays.
The decision, which was handed down by U.S. District Judge Raymond A. Jackson of the Eastern District of Virginia, came after the agency had previously failed to comply with a court order issued in January 2022. Despite this, Judge Jackson has dismissed an order to show cause against the agency, recognizing the effort it has since made to come into compliance.
Judge Jackson wrote in his memorandum, “Although the court finds plaintiff arguments for civil contempt compelling, defendants have now come into compliance, thus rendering it unnecessary for the court to address sanctions and attorneys’ fees. Further, defendants provided a good-faith defense for delaying compliance with the court’s order. Therefore, the court does not find defendants in civil contempt.”
For more specific details on the case, follow this
link to the original memorandum of opinion and order filled by Judge Jackson on November 29.