A liquor store based in Granger, Indiana is currently under investigation by the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) due to allegations of intimidation tactics used against employees seeking back wages. The federal agency is seeking a temporary restraining order from a court against the business owner.
The DOL news release indicates that Mega Liquor & Smoke and its parent company, Vishav Inc, are allegedly using retaliatory methods to prevent employees from discussing issues of liquidated damages and back wages with the agency. Bhola Singh, the proprietor of the business, operates 61 stores under the Mega Liquor & Smoke brand across Michigan and Indiana.
Regional Solicitor of Labor Christine Heri stated, "The Department of Labor is asking the court to hold Bhola Singh accountable for his illegal tactics to prevent employees from receiving the back wages and damages they are owed and that he agreed to pay. Retaliation against workers is a clear violation of the law." She added, "We will use every available legal resource to protect workers and end retaliatory practices by employers, including seeking punitive damages for those harassed."
According to the news release, Singh is suspected of questioning former and current employees about their interactions with DOL investigators. The agency also believes that he has threatened to terminate employees who are cooperating with their investigation. In certain cases, it has been reported that Singh requested employees sign documents affirming they have received back pay when they have not. The DOL anticipates that a court order will halt any further actions related to these allegations.
Wage and Hour Division Regional Administrator Michael Lazzeri said, "These federal laws were established decades ago to prevent employers from intimidating workers and exploiting them for financial gain." He continued, "Our actions to stop this harassment will ensure that these workers receive the wages they have rightfully earned and serve notice to other employers that retaliation will not be tolerated."
