News Release
Florida pediatric special needs caregiver to pay $303K in back wages to 160 workers after US Department of Labor investigation finds overtime violations
Employer: Angels on Earth PPEC Inc.
Investigation sites:
12200 Menta St., Orlando 32837
110 Patterson Road, Haines City 33844
335 Pineda Court, Melbourne 32940
7405 U.S. Highway 98 North, Lakeland 33809
Investigation findings: U.S. Department of Labor Wage and Hour Division investigators found the employer failed to pay hourly, non-exempt workers time-and-one-half of their regular rate of pay for hours over 40 in a workweek, as required by law. The employer also failed to maintain a record of the employees’ total hours worked each workweek, both Fair Labor Standards Act violations.
Back Wages Recovered: The employer will pay $303,367 in back wages for 160 workers.
Quote: “When employers fail to pay overtime in the care industry – a common violation – that creates a burden on these essential workers who have a special ability to care for children in need,” said Wage and Hour Division District Director Wildalí De Jesús in Orlando, Florida. “Workplaces in demanding career fields may struggle to find workers they need to succeed, particularly when employers deny full wages. Employees or employers who are unsure of their legal rights and responsibilities should contact the Wage Hour Division for guidance.”
Background: Angels on Earth PPEC Inc. offers prescribed pediatric extended care services for children with special needs. The Wage and Hour Division provides multiple tools to help employers understand their responsibilities, and offers confidential compliance assistance to anyone with questions about how to comply with the law. Workers can call the division confidentially with questions – regardless of their immigration status – and the department can speak with callers in more than 200 languages.
