Roofing contractor in Oregon to pay more than $75K in overtime back wages to 79 workers after US Department of Labor investigation

Employer: Bliss Roofing Inc.

Site: 14430 S.E. 98th Court, Clackamas, Oregon 97015

Investigation findings: Investigators from the U.S. Department of Labor's Wage and Hour Division in Portland found the employer in violation of the overtime pay requirements under the Fair labor Standards Act. Roofers worked 45-50 hours per week on average but their employer paid them piece-rate based on a flat rate per house without regard to the number of hours worked. The employer also failed to incorporate non-discretionary bonuses to several foremen in their regular earning rates for overtime pay purposes.

Resolution: Bliss Roofing Inc. has agreed to pay $75,606 in overtime back wages found due to 79 employees.

Quote: "Practices that shortcut or bypass the basic overtime pay requirement will not be tolerated," said Thomas Silva, the division's district director in Portland. "The rule of law applies to all in the marketplace. The division cannot allow some employers to gain an unfair financial advantage over other businesses, by failing or refusing to comply with the law."

Information: For more information about federal wage laws administered by the Wage and Hour Division, call the agency's toll-free helpline at 866-4US-WAGE (487-9243). Information also is available at http://www.dol.gov/whd/.

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