The U.S. Department of Labor has recovered $110,076 in back wages and damages for 46 workers employed by Southern Care Connection LLC, operating as #1 in Homecare, based in New Orleans. The investigation revealed that the company paid non-exempt employees straight time for overtime hours worked beyond 40 hours per week, violating the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).
The Wage and Hour Division found that these workers were denied the legally required time and one-half overtime premium. As a result, $55,038 was recovered in back wages and an additional $55,038 in liquidated damages.
"Home care workers often work long hours to provide critical services for those who need help most," said District Director Troy Mouton in New Orleans. "They should be paid every cent required by law, including time and one-half their regular rate of pay when they work more than 40 hours a week. Failing to do so denies workers of their rightful, hard-earned wages and leaves employers liable for the costly consequences of liquidated damages and possibly penalties."
The Department encourages individuals to learn more about the Wage and Hour Division through its website, which includes tools for checking if back wages are owed and filing online complaints. For confidential compliance assistance, employees and employers can contact the agency’s toll-free helpline at 866-4US-WAGE (487-9243). Additionally, a new Timesheet App is available for iOS and Android devices to ensure accurate tracking of hours worked and pay received.
