Opinion ID: 1763698
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 10

Heading: Fair Labor Standards Act Preemption

Text: PVI contends that Fleshner's claim for wrongful termination based on public policy is preempted by the FLSA. It argues that, as a matter of Missouri law, Fleshner may not bring the public policy claim because the FLSA provides an adequate remedy for her grievance, displacing the Missouri common law remedy. This Court has consistently held that a statutory right of action shall not be deemed to supersede and displace remedies otherwise available at common law in the absence of language to that effect unless the statutory remedy fully comprehends and envelops the remedies provided by common law. Dierkes v. Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Mo., 991 S.W.2d 662, 668 (Mo. banc 1999) (emphasis and internal quotation marks omitted). A statutory remedy does not comprehend and envelop the common law if the common law remedies provide different remedies from the statutory scheme. Id. For example, if the common law remedy provides punitive damages, but the statutory scheme does not, then the common law scheme is not preempted. See id. Punitive damages are available for wrongful discharge claims brought under the public-policy exception at common law. See Kelly v. Bass Pro Outdoor World, LLC, 245 S.W.3d 841, 849-51 (Mo.App. 2007). To preempt the public-policy exception, the FLSA must provide for punitive damages. This Court recognizes that there is a split of authority among the federal courts as to whether the FLSA provides punitive damages. Compare Travis v. Gary Cmty. Mental Health Ctr., 921 F.2d 108, 111-12 (7th Cir.1990) (finding the FLSA provides for punitive damages), with Snapp v. Unlimited Concepts, Inc., 208 F.3d 928, 934 (11th Cir.2000) (finding the FLSA does not provide for punitive damages). As the circuits are not in agreement and the United States Supreme Court has not resolved this contradiction, it is not certain that punitive damages are available. Until this issue is resolved by legislation or a court ruling, it cannot be assumed that the FLSA provides punitive damages, and it does not preempt recovery for wrongful termination under the public-policy exception.