The U.S. Department of Labor has recovered $399,851 in overtime back pay and damages for 49 workers at an Aurora family-owned supermarket.

The employees at Aurora’s Supermercado Carrera Specialty Grocery Store were recently found to have been denied their rightfully earned overtime pay for two years through a Wage and Hour Division investigation, according to a news release issued Monday. 

“The nearly $400,000 in back wages and damages our investigation recovered will make a significant difference in the lives of 49 workers and their families,” said Tom Gauza, Wage & Hour Division district director in Chicago, according to the release.

He said small grocers often employ vulnerable workers who are paid low wages. These employees likely remain unaware of basic rights to the federal minimum wage and overtime pay, he said in the release.

The Labor Department seeks to educate workers about their rights by working with community resources such as local worker advocacy groups and consulates, Gauza said. 

“Failing to pay accurate wages is an issue across a myriad of industries," he said. "Employers or workers with questions should reach out to Wage and Hour for information.”