U.S. Department of Labor Investigation Results in Discount Retailer Paying $273,254 to 125 Employees in 39 Arizona Stores to Resolve Violations

PHOENIX, AZ – After a U.S. Department of Labor Wage and Hour Division (WHD) investigation, California-based discount retailer 99 Cents Only Stores LLC will pay $273,254 to 125 employees in 39 of its Arizona stores for wage and recordkeeping violations of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).

WHD investigators found that 99 Cents Only Stores LLC violated the FLSA when it failed to pay assistant store managers in its Arizona stores for time they worked during their meal periods. The investigation determined that store cashiers and customers needing assistance regularly interrupted the managers’ 30-minute meal breaks. If employees are not free from duty during their breaks, the FLSA requires employers to pay for that time. The company’s failure to maintain accurate payroll records also resulted in recordkeeping violations.

“The Wage and Hour Division is available and eager to provide assistance to employers to help them avoid wage violations,” said Eric Murray, Wage and Hour Division District Director in Phoenix. “Employees must be paid in full and in compliance with basic rules. The U.S. Department of Labor provides a wide variety of tools to help employers understand these rules.”

Based in Commerce, California, 99 Cents Only Stores operates more than 300 locations in California, Texas, Arizona and Nevada.

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