The U.S. Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division recently concluded an investigation into a landscaping business uncovering severe violations of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) that deprived 35 employees of their rightful wages. The division found the company guilty of failing to compensate its workers with the mandated time-and-a-half rate for hours exceeding 40 in a workweek. Additionally, the employer deducted a full hour for lunch breaks, though employees typically took only 45 minutes.
35 Employees Denied Rightful Wages
Moreover, the investigation revealed serious violations of the FLSA’s recordkeeping provisions, further exacerbating the non-compliance issues observed at the landscaping business.
As a result of this inquiry, the Wage and Hour Division successfully recovered $57,518 in owed wages and an equivalent amount in liquidated damages for the affected 35 workers. Regrettably, ten individuals are yet to be located for the disbursement of their entitled compensations. Workers potentially owed back wages in this or other cases can seek information via the Wage and Hour Division’s dedicated Workers Owed Wages website.
A Lesson for Business Owners
Acting District Director Rosalinda Huffman highlighted the significance of employers fulfilling their obligation to pay employees in full. Huffman emphasized the substantial impact of receiving unpaid wages and damages on the daily lives of affected workers, underscoring the potential repercussions for employers who fail to meet their legal payroll responsibilities.
The Wage and Hour Division encourages workers who suspect wage underpayment by their employers to reach out for assistance. For individuals who suspect they might be owed back wages managed by the division, the database offers a means to check for pending claims.
Conclusion
This case serves as a stark reminder to businesses of all sizes to adhere strictly to employment laws. Non-compliance not only results in financial penalties but also profoundly impacts the lives of employees. Upholding fair and just payment practices isn’t just a legal obligation but also crucial for maintaining ethical and equitable workplaces.