US Labor Department investigation nets more than $1.3 million in back wages for 187 employees of GeoPharma in Largo, Fla.

TAMPA, Fla. — Following an investigation by the U.S. Department of Labor's Wage and Hour Division, GeoPharma Inc. has agreed to pay $1,360,098 in back wages to 187 employees for violations of the Fair Labor Standards Act.

"Employees have the right to expect that they will receive full pay on time for their work, and the Labor Department will not sit by while employers attempt to evade their responsibilities," said Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis.

The investigation, conducted by the Wage and Hour Division's district office in Tampa, determined that the company missed or was in arrears for 14 payroll periods from late 2009 through 2010. The FLSA requires that covered employers pay employees at least equal to the federal minimum wage for each hour worked, and wages are due on the regular payday for the pay period. In this case, the investigation revealed that the employer broke both provisions of the law at different times by not paying some wages at all and by not paying employees on time.

The dietary supplements and pharmaceutical manufacturing company operates six facilities in Largo, Fla. Employees affected by this investigation were involved in production, inventory control and shipping.

The FLSA requires that covered employees be paid at least the federal minimum wage of $7.25 for all hours worked, plus time and one-half their regular rates of pay, including commissions, bonuses and incentive pay, for hours worked beyond 40 per week. Employers must also maintain accurate time and payroll records.

For more information about the FLSA, call the division's toll-free helpline at 866-4US-WAGE (487-9243) or visit http://www.dol.gov/whd.