Edison, NJ – Mayor Joshi’s administration is facing a lawsuit filed by employee Dwayne Mayers, who alleges the municipality failed to pay him proper overtime wages for years. Mayers, represented by the law firm of Brandon J. Broderick, LLC, is seeking compensatory and punitive damages, as well as attorneys’ fees and costs.
Former Councilwoman Joyce Ship-Freeman stated, “This is unfortunately a recurring theme within Mayor Joshi’s administration. This marks the third lawsuit by black employees alleging discriminatory practices. Recent allegations of racial bias in hiring, promotions, and disciplinary actions raise serious concerns about Mayor Joshi’s ability to effectively manage a town of this size. This pattern of alleged discrimination underscores the urgent need to address systemic issues within the Joshi Administration and ensure all employees are treated with dignity and respect, regardless of race.”
The complaint, filed in the Superior Court of New Jersey, Middlesex County, Law Division (Docket No. MID-L-000681-25), details Mayers’ employment history with the township. He worked full-time for the Department of Public Works (DPW) since 2004 and part-time for the Recreation Department since 2005. His duties spanned road maintenance and repairs for the DPW and supervising facilities, ensuring safety, performing paperwork, and directing patrons for the Recreation Department.
According to the lawsuit, from 2017 to 2023, Mayers regularly worked over 40 hours per week, combining his hours from both positions. However, the complaint alleges that Edison Township paid him only straight time wages for all hours worked, failing to provide the legally required time-and-a-half overtime pay for hours exceeding 40 per week.
The lawsuit further states that Mayers was informed in December 2023 that the Recreation Department would be eliminating his position due to budgetary constraints, a move that came after he inquired about overtime pay. Mayers claims he was unaware of his entitlement to overtime wages until that point. After reviewing his pay records, he identified what he believes to be significant unpaid overtime. He then complained to the township’s Human Resources representative, Joyce, about the alleged wage violations.
Mayers is not the first black employee to sue Mayor Joshi’s administration. Edison Township quietly settled a racial discrimination lawsuit filed by decorated and respected veteran police officer Nicole Fields for $90,000 while the Council was kept unaware of the agreement. Also Ian Evans, an Edison firefighter, has filed a lawsuit against Edison Township alleging racial discrimination, wrongful suspension, and disparate treatment based on his race.
Mayers’ lawsuit contains three counts: violation of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), violation of the New Jersey Wage and Hour Law (NJWHL), and violation of the New Jersey Wage Payment Law, specifically regarding wage theft. The suit claims that the Township of Edison, as Mayers’ employer, knowingly and intentionally failed to pay him the overtime wages he was due, causing him financial damages.
The complaint demands a jury trial and designates Michael J. Reilly of Brandon J. Broderick, LLC as trial counsel. A certification pursuant to R.4:5-1, signed by Reilly, confirms that no other related actions are pending or contemplated, and that no other parties are known to be necessary for the litigation.
The outcome of this lawsuit could have significant implications for Edison Township and its employees. The case highlights the importance of proper wage payment practices and adherence to state and federal labor laws. The township has not yet publicly responded to the allegations.
