U.S. Department of Labor Investigation Results in Court Ordering Tennessee Masonry Contractor to Pay $493,987 in Back Wages and Damages

WHITES CREEK, TN – After an investigation by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division, the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Tennessee has ordered Music City Masonry Contractors LLC and its owners, Brandy George and Robin “Bubba” Waller, to pay $493,987 in back wages and liquidated damages to 247 employees for violating the overtime and recordkeeping provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). The order comes as part of a settlement with the Wage and Hour Division, which assessed a $10,012 civil money penalty for the willful and repeat violations.

Division investigators found the contracting company paid employees straight-time rates for their overtime hours instead of the time-and-one-half required by law. The employer falsified time and payroll records to make it appear that they were paying the proper overtime. The company also failed to maintain accurate records of the hours employees worked, resulting in recordkeeping violations.

“The resolution of this investigation ensures these employees receive their rightfully earned wages,” said Nettie Lewis, Wage and Hour Division District Director in Nashville. “No employer should gain a competitive advantage by failing to pay its employees in compliance with the law. We urge all employers to make use of the tools the Department of Labor offers to explain their obligations and help them avoid violations.”

For more information about the FLSA and other laws enforced by the Wage and Hour Division, contact the toll-free helpline at 866-4US-WAGE (487-9243). Information is also available at http://www.dol.gov/whd including a search tool to use if you think you may be owed back wages collected by the Division.