The U.S. Department of Labor has recovered $91,074 in back wages and damages from JRM Enterprises Inc., operating as JRM Landscape & Design, a Littleton-based landscaping company. The recovery follows an investigation by the department’s Wage and Hour Division.
The investigation, conducted at 8177 Carder Court in Littleton, Colorado, revealed that JRM Landscape & Design paid 21 workers straight time for all hours worked, including those exceeding 40 hours per workweek. According to federal law, employees are entitled to time and one-half their regular rate of pay for any hours worked beyond 40 in a workweek. Additionally, the employer failed to maintain proper payroll records, actions that violate the Fair Labor Standards Act.
As a result of these violations, the department recovered $45,537 in back wages and an equal amount in liquidated damages.
“Employers must comply with federal law and pay workers the overtime wages they are rightfully owed,” said Wage and Hour District Director David Skinner in Denver. “Employers have an obligation to understand the law. Employers and workers who need help understanding the law should contact Wage and Hour Division.”
The Wage and Hour Division offers resources for both employers and employees to understand labor laws better. These include a search tool for checking if back wages are owed and an online complaint filing system. For confidential compliance assistance, individuals can call the agency’s toll-free helpline at 866-4US-WAGE (487-9243).
Additionally, the division provides a Timesheet App available for iOS and Android devices to help ensure accurate tracking of hours and pay.
