U.S. Department of Labor Investigation Results In Houston Burger Restaurants Paying $62,754 To Settle Overtime and Record-Keeping Violations

HOUSTON TX – Bernie’s Bellaire LLC and Bernie’s Katy LLC - doing business as Bernie’s Burger Bus - will pay $62,754 to settle overtime and recordkeeping violations of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) after an investigation by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division (WHD). The companies operate three locations in the Houston area.

WHD found the companies failed to pay legally required overtime to 49 servers, cooks, and dishwashers and failed to maintain required records. Employees were paid straight-time rates for their overtime hours instead of the time-and-one-half required by law after failing to combine hours that employees had worked at two separate locations for the company when determining whether overtime was due. The companies also failed to display required FLSA posters at its worksites and failed to maintain a record of employee addresses.

“The Wage and Hour Division is committed to ensuring employees receive all the wages they have rightfully earned, and that employers compete on a level playing field,” said Betty Campbell, Southwest Regional Wage and Hour Division Administrator. “The U.S. Department of Labor will continue to enforce the law. We encourage employers to use the numerous resources WHD offers - including online videos, confidential calls, or in-person visits to our local offices - to ensure they have the tools they need to understand their responsibilities and to comply with federal law.”

For more information about the FLSA and other laws enforced by WHD, 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.

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