U.S. Department of Labor Investigation Results in Michigan Company Paying $125,793 in Back Wages

ANN ARBOR, MI – Joak American Homes – operator of seven affiliated homecare companies in Michigan – will pay $125,793 in back wages owed to 58 employees after a U.S. Department of Labor Wage and Hour Division (WHD) investigation found the company violated the overtime requirements of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).

WHD investigators determined that the Ann Arbor-based company failed to pay the hourly non-exempted workers at time-and-one-half of their regular rate of pay for all hours worked over 40 in a workweek. Joak American Homes also made improper deductions from the salary of exempted workers. 

"The U.S. Department of Labor is committed to ensuring employees receive the wages they have rightfully earned. These employees deserve their well-earned paychecks," said Wage and Hour District Director Timolin Mitchell, in Detroit. "Employers can avoid wage violations by contacting the Wage and Hour Division for assistance to ensure they are in compliance with the Fair Labor Standards Act."

For more information about the FLSA and other laws enforced by WHD, contact the Division's toll-free helpline at 866-4US-WAGE (487-9243). Employers who discover overtime or minimum wage violations may self-report and resolve those violations without litigation through the PAID program. Information is also available at https://www.dol.gov/whd including a search tool to use if you think you may be owed back wages collected by WHD.