Judge delays final paychecks to laid-off workers

Associated Press

MARTINSBURG July 09, 2008 11:48 am

— Nearly 400 workers who lost their jobs when AB&C closed call centers in Martinsburg and Ranson in March will have to wait for their final paychecks.
U.S. Bankruptcy Court Judge Patrick Flatley ruled July 2 that bankruptcy laws prevent him from immediately releasing about $345,000 to the laid-off workers.
A class-action lawsuit filed in March in Berkeley County Circuit Court seeks to recover three weeks of wages for the former employees.
The company filed for bankruptcy on April 4.
Attorney Kathy Santa Barbara, who represents the employees, says she may appeal Flatley’s ruling. The deadline to appeal is Monday.