Trending Topics

11 EMTs, paramedics sue Iowa hospital over unpaid shift differential

The current and former Waverly Health Center EMS providers are seeking damages under Iowa wage laws and the FLSA

FR1 Affiliate images - 2025-11-17T125021.296.jpg

A Waverly Health Center ambulance.

Waverly Health Center/Facebook

BREMER COUNTY, Iowa — A group of 11 Bremer County EMTs and paramedics has filed a lawsuit against Waverly Health Center, alleging unpaid wages.

The plaintiffs, all current or former members of Waverly Health Center’s EMS, say they worked 24-hour shifts followed by 48 hours off, often with additional hours beyond their regular rotations, but were not fully compensated, the Iowa Capital Dispatch reported. Waverly Health Center operates clinics in Waverly, Janesville, Nashua and Shell Rock.

| WATCH NOW: 76% of EMS providers say burnout is at crisis levels. Ignoring it isn’t an option

The lawsuit says that in 2022, 2023 and again in 2024, Waverly Health Center announced shift differential pay for hourly staff working nights and weekends, up to $2 to $15 more per hour, and had EMTs and paramedics acknowledge the policies by email. Despite that, the plaintiffs allege they were never actually paid those differentials.

The lawsuit, initially filed in state court and now moved to federal court, seeks unspecified damages for alleged violations of Iowa wage laws and the Fair Labor Standards Act.

Waverly Health Center has not yet filed a response.

Trending
Paramedic James Parrish drew on years of calls, trauma and quiet struggles to create a comic about friendship, mental illness and what it means to keep showing up for others
Two workers were inside the Marlboro County EMS building when the fire started, according to the sheriff’s office
With over 35 years in EMS and two decades leading Medstar, Miller will advocate for Midwest providers on safety, patient-centered care, workforce development and system improvement
A home in Chino Hills was reduced to rubble in a powerful blast and forced firefighters to evacuate 16 homes
Company News
The new CCL 166 Type III ambulance will premiere at EMS World Expo 2025, delivering a redesigned action area, 25% more storage capacity, and more practical features to enhance fleet performance

Bill Carey is the associate editor for FireRescue1.com and EMS1.com. A former Maryland volunteer firefighter, sergeant, and lieutenant, Bill has written for several fire service publications and platforms. His work on firefighter behavioral health garnered a 2014 Neal Award nomination. His ongoing research and writings about line-of-duty death data is frequently cited in articles, presentations, and trainings. Have a news tip? He can be reached at news@lexipol.com.