Oops, Spike Lee’s Production Companies Forgot to Pay into Union Pension Fund

Filmmaker Spike Lee and his production companies were sued for short-changing health benefit and pension plan contributions to three separate entertainment industry unions. The suit seeks to hold Spike Lee personally liable for the $45,000 owed. The underpayments came to light as part of a payroll audit conducted by trustees for the union’s health benefits and pension plans.

No real commentary on this. These types of underpayments can (and do) happen all the time. The only thing making this newsworthy is that the company is owned by Spike Lee. The company will pay the shortage and move on. Perhaps, though, this isn’t a run of the mill oversight and that is why the company chose to be sued instead of pay up. Who knows. If there’s any further developments, I’ll let you know.

Matt Austin who owns Austin Legal, LLC, a boutique law firm based in Ohio that limits its representation to employers dealing with labor, employment, and OSHA matters. You can call Matt at (614) 285-5342 or email him at Matt@MattAustinLaborLaw.com.