Opinion ID: 1300960
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Waiver of FLSA Rights

Text: ABB argues that even if the time missed for the September 3 appointment constitute hours worked, Howser waived those rights when she chose, for whatever reason, to take unpaid leave. It is well established that FLSA rights are statutory and cannot be waived. See Barrentine v. Arkansas-Best Freight Sys., 450 U.S. 728, 740, 101 S.Ct. 1437, 67 L.Ed.2d 641 (1981); Reich v. Stewart, 121 F.3d 400, 407 (8th Cir.1997). There are only two statutory exceptions to this general rule. First, an employee may accept payment of unpaid wages under the supervision of the Secretary of Labor and if the back wages are paid in full. See 29 U.S.C. § 216(c). Second, if an employee brings suit directly against a private employer pursuant to § 216(b) of the statute, and the district court enters a stipulated judgment, it will have res judicata effect on any subsequent claim for damages. See Lynn's Food Stores, Inc. v. United States, 679 F.2d 1350, 1353 (11th Cir.1982); Jarrard v. Se. Shipbuilding Corp., 163 F.2d 960, 961 (5th Cir.1947). Neither exception applies to the present case. ABB recognizes that employees generally cannot waive their FLSA rights. However, it asks the Court to weigh the bargaining power of the parties in this particular case and find that Howser's actions constitute a waiver. ABB fails to cite to any case that would permit such a judicially-created exception to the general rule against waiver. We hold that Howser did not waive her right to be compensated for hours worked under the FLSA by choosing to take an unpaid excused absence to attend the September 3 appointment.