Britney, Pay Us One More Time

Three former security guards who say Britney Spears owes them overtime pay must settle their claims through arbitration, a judge ruled Monday.

Silas Dukes, Lonnie DeShawn Jones and Randy Jones sued in March, claiming they were hired by two of Spears' companies to provide security for the 24-year-old pop star and her home at $2,400 to $3,350 per week.

The guards' attorney, Stephen Madoni, said the Superior Court ruling could put his clients at a significant disadvantage because two of three arbitration meetings will be held in New York instead of California, which he said has more favorable laws.

Madoni claimed the three never agreed to arbitrate wage claims and that arbitration would take away court protections for the men. He plans to appeal.

The two companies, Britney Brands Inc. and Britney Touring Inc., are incorporated in New York and California.

Attorney William J. Briggs II, who represents the companies, said the original agreement between the guards and the companies called for wage disputes to be arbitrated.

According to the suit, Lonnie Jones worked regular 12-hour shifts at Spears' home while Dukes and Randy Jones worked 12- to 16-hour shifts. They were on call 24 hours a day when accompanying Spears on trips, the suit says.

The men claim they were fired Nov. 30 and never received final paychecks.