U.S. Department of Labor Investigation Recovers $253,359 In Back Wages for Drywall Employees

FORT WORTH, TX – An investigation by the U.S. Department of Labor's Wage and Hour Division (WHD) has recovered $253,359 in back wages for 410 employees after Walker Drywall Inc. paid the money owed to settle violations of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) overtime provisions.

WHD investigators found the company contracted with several temporary labor providers that paid workers straight time instead of required overtime when they worked more than 40 hours in a workweek. Investigators determined that Walker Drywall Inc. benefitted from the work done by employees supplied by the labor providers. The company also failed to maintain accurate time records for these employees, violating the FLSA's recordkeeping provisions.

"The U.S. Department of Labor helps ensure employees receive the wages they have legally earned," said Wage and Hour Division Dallas District Director Jesus A. Valdez. "Employers in this industry should take notice and review their pay practices to ensure they comply with the law. Violations can be avoided, and we encourage employers in all industries to contact the Wage and Hour Division for guidance."

The Department offers numerous resources to ensure employers have the tools they need to understand their responsibilities and to comply with federal law, such as online videos, confidential calls, or in-person visits to local WHD offices.

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