News Release
US Department of Labor recovers $198K for 19 workers denied overtime pay by Lynchburg, Virginia, restaurant
US Department of Labor recovers $198K for 19 workers denied overtime pay by Lynchburg, Virginia, restaurant
Employer name:
Jalisco Inc., doing business as La Carreta Mexican Restaurant
8210 Timberlake Road, Lynchburg, VA 24502
Investigation findings:
U.S. Department of Labor Wage and Hour Division investigators found Jalisco Inc. violated the overtime and recordkeeping requirements of the Fair Labor Standards Act by paying employees straight-time wages instead of overtime for hours over 40 in a workweek, and failing to maintain accurate records of employees’ work hours.
Back Wages Paid:
$99,480 in back wages, equal amount in liquidated damages totaling, $198,961.
Quote:
“Restaurant employees are essential workers, and employers must pay them all their rightful wages to enable them to provide for their families and themselves,” said Wage and Hour Division District Director Roberto Melendez in Richmond, Virginia. “Unfortunately, shortchanging employees’ wages is not uncommon in the restaurant industry. Employers can avoid costly violations by knowing and complying with the Fair Labor Standards Act. To help prevent future violations, the Wage and Hour Division encourages employer and workers to contact us with their questions and concerns.”
Background:
Employers can contact the Wage and Hour Division at its toll-free number, 1-866-4-US-WAGE. The division also offers numerous online resources for employers, such as a fact sheet that outlines how business can apply Fair Labor Standards Act wage laws for employees of restaurants and fast-food businesses. Workers who feel they may not be getting the wages they earned may contact a Wage and Hour Division representative in their state through a list and interactive online map on the agency’s website.
