Caregivers at 6 Houston group homes receive $60,923 in overtime back pay following US Labor Department investigations

Employer name: Viacell LLC doing business as A Devoted Care Provider

Site: Corporate office in Stafford, Texas, and six group homes investigated in the Houston area

Investigation findings: Houston area caregivers received $60,923 in overtime back wages following an investigation by the Wage and Hour Division's Houston District Office which found that Viacell LLC, doing business as A Devoted Health Provider, did not pay time and one-half for hours worked beyond 40 in a workweek as required by law. The firm failed to pay overtime to care providers and administrative staff at its corporate office in Stafford, Texas, and six group homes in the Houston area. Additionally, the employer failed to keep accurate time and payroll records.

Quote: "Caregivers at group homes and day habilitation centers care for individuals who have severe illnesses and disabilities. Ensuring these workers receive the wages guaranteed by law for a demanding and important profession is not only the right thing to do, but it serves our community and our nation," said Cynthia Watson, regional administrator for the Wage and Hour Division in the Southwest. "The back wages these vulnerable workers received, and the money they will earn by being paid as the law requires, will help them and their families put food on the table and pay their bills."

Back wages paid: $60,923

Information: Viacell LLC provides health care services for pediatrics, seniors and mentally individuals with disabilities at six group homes located in the Houston area. The firm also provides care to the same described individuals in a day rehabilitation center. The FLSA requires that covered, nonexempt employees be paid at least the federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour for all hours worked, plus time and one-half their regular hourly rates for hours worked beyond 40 per week. Additionally, the law requires employers to maintain accurate time and payroll records and prohibits retaliation against employees who exercise their rights under the law.

For more information about the FLSA, visit https://www.dol.gov/whd/ or call the Houston District Office at 713-339-5500 or division's toll-free helpline at 866-4US-WAGE (487-9243).