Tennessee Manufacturer Pays $50,000 in Back Wages and Damages

JACKSON, TN – The U.S. Department of Labor and Tennessee faucet manufacturer Delta Faucet Co. have reached a settlement to resolve alleged violations of the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) after the company terminated an employee for exercising his right to take time off to care for a family member. Delta Faucet Co. has paid the former employee $50,000 in back wages and liquidated damages.

An investigation by the Department's Wage and Hour Division (WHD) determined that violations included Delta Faucet Co.'s failure to provide the employee notice that medical certifications he submitted in support of his absence were insufficient. The employer also failed to inform the employee of any additional information needed and to provide him adequate time to obtain documentation to address any alleged deficiency found in those certifications. Delta Faucet Co. used the uncommunicated deficiencies to disregard the certifications and to designate the employee's time away from work as unexcused absences, resulting in termination. An additional violation was disclosed when the company's employee handbook failed to include required FMLA information.

"The Department of Labor is committed to protecting employees' rights under the Family and Medical Leave Act and to educating employers and employees about their rights and responsibilities under the law," said Nettie Lewis, WHD District Director in Nashville. "The resolution of this case demonstrates our commitment to protecting law-abiding employers and to ensuring workplace flexibility and protections for employees."

For more information about the FMLA 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 https://www.dol.gov/whd.