Miner sues over Minntac's punch-in rule

Virginia, Minn. — (AP) - A Minnesota miner is suing U.S. Steel, saying workers at Minntac Mine in Mountain Iron aren't being paid for all the time spent on company grounds.

John Zupancich of Britt alleges hourly employees could spend as much as two hours a week at the mine without being paid.

The complaint says a time stamp is recorded when employees swipe their entry card. There is a built-in time lag so they don't actually get paid until they make it to their work stations.

Most early-shift workers have to swipe in by 6:48 a.m. to begin getting paid at 7 a.m. Some employees have an 18-minute time lag before pay kicks in.

A U.S. Steel spokesman says the company doesn't comment on pending litigation.

The lawsuit is seeking class-action status.

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Information from: Duluth News Tribune, http://www.duluthsuperior.com

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