The Regus Group was recently denied a new trial by jury by U.S. District Judge Larry Alan Burns after a former employee was awarded $4.6 million stemming from a previous lawsuit. The plaintiff in the case, Denise Steffens​, sued the company - which is a provider of executive suites, office space and virtual offices - and alleged she was fired in retaliation for complaining to her supervisor about time and attendance violations, the Courthouse News Service reported.

The plaintiff claimed her complaints about not receiving meal and personal breaks resulted in her being let go by the enterprise. According to the Fair Labor Standards Act, meal breaks must be at least 30 minutes in length and cannot be interrupted by any activity that is connected with regular work duties. If an employee receives a work-related phone call, the duration of the conversation must be counted as work and not deducted from his or her regulated schedule and pay.

Regus argued the jury was influenced by circumstantial evidence, which the company claims should not have been admissible in court. The enterprise further alleged there was not sufficient evidence of retaliation to result in such a large payout. However, Judge Burns similarly denied the argument.

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