Unpaid Interns Sue NBC Over Labor Violations

NBC is going to have some explaining to do after it was slapped with a proposed class action lawsuit by former unpaid interns, claiming the broadcast company violated federal labor laws.

The suit includes former interns from NBC's "Saturday Night Live" as well as the booking department for MSNBC, and seeks more than $5 million in damages, reports The Hollywood Reporter.

NBC joins Fox Searchlight Pictures in the growing list of media companies being sued in federal court for allegedly stiffing their interns, with plaintiffs claiming these companies violated the Fair Labor Standards Act.

The complaint asserts that NBCUniversal's unpaid interns essentially substituted for normal workers, a violation of federal and state standards for minimum wage and overtime.

The New York-based media giant was also accused of failing to provide any academic or vocational training for its unpaid interns, making its internship program little more than a portal for free workers.

If this suit is successful, a court ordered injunction may force NBC to reform their internship policies.

NBC Unpaid Intern Lawsuit - Complaint