Employer Ordered To Produce Employee Contact Information in Overtime Lawsuit

In employment lawsuits, plaintiffs’ attorneys frequently request information about employees other than the plaintiff, including address and telephone numbers for current and former employees.  When responding to such requests, employers are sometimes concerned that producing employee contact information will (a) lead to other potential plaintiffs who may want sue the company, or (b) violate employee privacy rights.  As reported, one court recently rejected company objections on privacy grounds and ordered production of employee contact information.  The case is a collective action for overtime under wage and hour laws.