The U.S. Department of Labor has secured a federal court judgment mandating Community Living of Brookfield LLC and its owner, Matthew Sebuliba, to pay $27,184 to 27 caregivers. This amount includes $13,592 in back wages and an equal sum in liquidated damages following an investigation by the department’s Wage and Hour Division. The investigation revealed violations related to overtime, minimum wage, and recordkeeping from March 26, 2021, to March 25, 2023.
In addition to the payment order, the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Wisconsin's July 12, 2024 ruling prohibits future violations of the Fair Labor Standards Act by the employers.
Furthermore, Community Living will compensate two employees with $2,815 in damages due to allegations of retaliation against them for questioning pay practices. The company has also agreed to display the consent judgment at its two residential group homes and distribute materials informing employees about their rights under the FLSA.
“Caregivers in group homes provide essential personal and medical assistance to residents that enables them to maintain quality of life and dignity and are often paid some of lowest wages in our nation,” said Wage and Hour District Director Kristin Tout in Minneapolis. “Employers that retaliate against workers who exercise their rights to question pay practices are clearly violating the law. All employers are responsible for knowing and complying with federal wage laws and paying workers their rightfully earned wages.”
In fiscal year 2023, the U.S. Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division recovered over $31.8 million in back wages for healthcare industry workers.
For more information on back wages or filing complaints, individuals can contact the agency’s helpline at 866-4US-WAGE (487-9243). Additionally, the department offers a Timesheet App for iOS and Android devices to help ensure accurate tracking of hours and pay.
U.S. Department of Labor v. Community Living of Brookfield LLC, Matthew Sebuliba
Civil Action No. 24-CV-792-JPS-JP
