Work in the natural gas fields of Northeast Pennsylvania can be challenging.  Long days, lack of sleep. few days off and naturally hard and challenging job duties make working the fracking wells and pipeline construction projects a very special type of employment opportunity that is not for everyone.

Along with the challenges of the jobs themselves, natural gas workers have for years been complaining about being shortchanged on overtime payments.  Employees have argued that by their calculations they have been due unpaid overtime.  Employers–many who are challenged by the intricacies of working with numerous subcontractors and complexities of the natural gas business–have asserted  that they believe wages have been paid properly.

Reports today indicate that the parties have reached a settlement in the matter. Employees will receive approximately $4.5 million to distribute in overtime back pay.  Additionally, industry leaders will try to maintain a better system of record keeping to make sure all overtime due is paid in a timely fashion.