News Release
US Department of Labor finds Louisiana landscape, pest control enterprise violated guest worker program; recovers $20K in back wages for 133 workers
CENTRAL, LA – An East Baton Rouge Parish landscape and pest control company failed to disclose housing deductions in its H-2B application and failed to pay for all meals during travel periods for 133 guest workers, a U.S. Department of Labor investigation has found.
An investigation by the department’s Wage and Hour Division has recovered $20,695 in back wages from, and assessed $17,459 in penalties to Corporate Green LLC. The corporation owns and operates several area companies including Big Bark Tree Care, Bug Ninja Pest Control, Great With Tools and Green Seasons. Its workers perform pest control, landscaping and other exterior services for commercial and residential customers.
“Employers who use the H-2B guest worker program for temporary employment must comply with all of its terms and conditions,” said Wage and Hour District Director Troy Mouton in New Orleans. “By failing to satisfy all wage-related obligations, an employer reduces their labor costs and may gain an unfair advantage over other employers. All employees and guest workers must be treated and paid equally, consistent with the terms and conditions of the laws that govern their employment.”
Corporate Green LLC was certified to employ temporary non-agricultural workers under the H-2B visa program. At the time of this investigation, the company employed 95 workers from Mexico under the H-2B program and 58 U.S. workers.
For more information about H-2B visa program, the FLSA and other laws enforced by the division, contact the agency’s toll-free helpline at 866-4US-WAGE (487-9243). Learn more about the Wage and Hour Division, and use its search tool if you think you may be owed back wages collected by the division.
