U.S. Department of Labor Investigation Results in Georgia Herbal Products Manufacturer Paying $454,655 in Back Wages to 28 Employees

NORCROSS, GA – After an investigation by the U.S. Department of Labor's Wage and Hour Division (WHD), Hi-Tech Pharmaceuticals Inc. – an herbal products manufacturer and distributer based in Norcross, Georgia – has paid $454,655 in back wages to 28 employees for violating overtime and recordkeeping provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).

WHD investigators determined that Hi-Tech Pharmaceuticals Inc. failed to pay workers overtime when they worked more than 40 hours in a workweek. The employer also unlawfully deducted time from workers' timecards when they took short rest breaks, and rounded workers' time outside of the parameters required by the FLSA. In addition, WHD cited Hi-Tech Pharmaceuticals for a recordkeeping violation for their failure to keep time and payroll records required by law.

"The Wage and Hour Division engages in robust education and outreach efforts to help employers understand their responsibilities," said Wage and Hour Division District Director Eric Williams, in Atlanta. "We encourage all employers to reach out to us for compliance assistance so that violations like these can be avoided. When violations do occur, our enforcement ensures employees are paid the wages they have earned, and levels the playing field for employers who play by the rules."

For more information about the FLSA and other laws enforced by the Wage and Hour Division, contact the 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.