The U.S. Department of Labor is attempting to locate 28 former employees of a Cordele-based home healthcare company to distribute their share of $65,944 in back wages and liquidated damages. An investigation revealed that the employer, Adventist Homecare and Medical Services LLC, had failed to pay these workers overtime wages as required by the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).
The department’s Wage and Hour Division found that Adventist Homecare paid straight-time rates for all hours worked, including those exceeding 40 hours per week. This practice violated federal wage laws mandating overtime pay. The investigation resulted in the recovery of $470,261 in back wages and liquidated damages for 96 employees who were owed overtime between October 1, 2021, and September 30, 2023.
“Paying workers what they are legally owed is crucial in the healthcare field, particularly for home care workers,” stated Steven Salazar, Wage and Hour Division District Director in Atlanta. “Federal wage laws are uncompromising and protect workers’ rights to be paid fully for their work so that they can care for themselves and the people who depend on them.”
The division has compensated more than half of the affected employees but continues efforts to identify the remaining 28 former employees who have not responded to notification letters. These individuals may be entitled to substantial amounts in back wages.
Recovered wages must be claimed within three years before funds are transferred to the U.S. Treasury. Therefore, Adventist Homecare workers must claim their shares by April 2027.
“We urge people employed by Adventist Homecare and Medical Services LLC between Oct. 1, 2021, and Sept. 30, 2023, to contact us so that we can get them the back wages and damages that they may be owed for overtime their former employer should have paid them,” added Salazar. “Getting workers the wages that they are legally owed is a top priority for our agency. Finding these 28 employees is an urgent concern.”
Former Adventist Homecare employees believing they are owed back wages can use the agency’s Workers Owed Wages online tool or contact the Wage and Hour Division in Atlanta.
Adventist Homecare provides personal care support, companionship services, nursing assistance, and respite services for elderly individuals.
For questions or information about FLSA regulations or other laws enforced by the agency, both workers and employers can call the Wage and Hour Division confidentially at its toll-free helpline: 866-4US-WAGE (487-9243). The division offers resources online including a fact sheet on FLSA overtime requirements.
Additionally, accurate tracking of work hours can be facilitated using the department’s free Timesheet App available in English and Spanish for Android or iPhone users.
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