The U.S. Department of Labor has recovered $74,546 in back wages and damages for 19 construction workers employed by PAR Construction LLC in Lake Charles, Louisiana. The recovery follows an investigation by the department's Wage and Hour Division.
The investigation revealed that PAR Construction paid these non-exempt employees straight time for overtime hours worked beyond 40 hours per week. This practice violates the Fair Labor Standards Act, which mandates a time-and-a-half overtime premium for such hours.
The recovered amount includes $37,273 in back wages and an equal amount in liquidated damages.
“When employees work premium hours, they should get premium pay,” said Troy Mouton, Wage and Hour district director in New Orleans. “Most construction workers are due time and one-half their regular rate of pay when they work more than 40 hours in a week. Work in the construction industry can involve variable hours, but the obligation to pay overtime premiums is constant.”
For further information about the Wage and Hour Division or to file a complaint, individuals can visit the division's website or call its toll-free helpline at 866-4US-WAGE (487-9243). Additionally, the agency offers a Timesheet App available for iOS and Android devices to help ensure accurate tracking of hours and pay.
