U.S. Labor Department lawsuit seeks back wages, damages for 2 recreational vehicle technicians in Coloma, Michigan

Date of Action: March 30, 2015

Type of Action: Complaint

Names of Defendants: Krenek Motors Inc., 6542 Ryno Rd, Coloma, MI 49038 d/b/a Krenek RV and Scott Krenek

Allegations: Investigators with the U.S. Department of Labor's Wage and Hour Division found that Krenek RV and its owner, Scott Krenek, incorrectly categorized two recreational vehicle technicians as exempt from overtime. Krenek failed to pay these employees time and a half for hours worked beyond 40 in a work week, a violation of the Fair Labor Standards Act. The Coloma, Michigan company sells and services recreational vehicles. Investigators estimate that approximately $5,939 in unpaid overtime compensation is owed to the two technicians.

Quote: "Failing to abide by the law and denying workers the wages to which they are legally entitled deprives them of their hard-earned income and livelihood," said Mary O'Rourke, district director for the Wage and Hour Division in Grand Rapids. "When employers will not work with us to pay back wages due and voluntarily comply with the law, we will seek justice for workers in the courtroom."

Resolution: The department is asking the court to award back wages and an equal amount in liquidated damages. The complaint also requests the court to issue an injunction against the company and Krenek from violating the Fair Labor Standards Act in the future.

Court: U.S. District Court for the District, Western District of Michigan, Southern Division

Docket Number: 1:15-cv-00339 Perez v. Krenek Motors Inc. d/b/a Krenek RV and Scott Krenek