News Brief
US Department of Labor recovers $288K in back wages for 8 workers shortchanged by Virginia commercial roofing contractor
Employer: CHU Contracting Inc. 14020 Thunderbolt Place, Suite 300 Chantilly, Virginia 20151
Investigation site: Potomac Yard Metro Station 2601 Main Line Blvd. Alexandria, Virginia 22301
Investigation findings: Investigators with the U.S. Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division found that the commercial roofing contractor classified employees as laborers and roofers incorrectly while they performed sheet metal work on a federally funded project. By doing so, the employer failed to pay the proper prevailing wage, holiday and overtime pay rates, which are violations of the Davis-Bacon and Related Acts.
Back wages recovered: $288,341 in back wages for eight workers.
Quote: “Employers cannot improperly classify employees and deny them required pay and fringe benefits,” said Wage and Hour Division District Director Nicholas Fiorello in Baltimore. “Contractors should take time to review worker classifications and wage determinations due to the variances in hourly rates on federal projects. We encourage employers to ask questions if they are uncertain to avoid costly violations.”
Background: Learn more about the DBRA, the CWHSSA and other laws enforced by the division including a search tool if you think you may be owed back wages collected by the division. The department can speak with callers confidentially in more than 200 languages through the agency’s toll-free helpline at 866-4US-WAGE (487-9243). Download the agency’s new Timesheet App, now available for android devices, to ensure hours and pay are accurate.
