Arbitration ruling in Britney wages claim
Three former security guards who say Britney Spears owes them overtime pay must settle their claims through arbitration, a judge has ruled.
Silas Dukes, Lonnie DeShawn Jones and Randy Jones started legal proceedings against the pop star in March, claiming they were hired by two of Spears’ companies to provide security for the 24-year-old and her home at $2,400 (€1,907) to $3,350 (€2,661) per week.
The guards’ lawyer, Stephen Madoni, said the ruling could put his clients at a significant disadvantage because two of three arbitration meetings will be held in New York instead of California, which he said has more favourable laws.
Madoni claimed that the three never agreed to arbitrate wage claims and that arbitration would take away court protections for the men. He plans to appeal.
William J Briggs II, who represents the companies, said the original agreement between the guards and the companies called for wage disputes to be arbitrated.
The two companies, Britney Brands and Britney Touring, are incorporated in New York and California.
