The U.S. Department of Labor has recently concluded investigations revealing that two companion care providers in south Louisiana misclassified employees as independent contractors, leading to significant wage violations. The department's Wage and Hour Division found that We Care Homes Inc. and Special Needs Unlimited LLC failed to pay a total of 158 workers $422,137 in overtime wages for hours worked beyond the standard 40-hour workweek.

Troy Mouton, the District Director of the Wage and Hour Division in New Orleans, stated, "Home care workers employed by We Care Homes and Special Needs Unlimited typically worked long hours providing essential services for people unable to care for themselves. In exchange, they deserve to be paid their full wages." He emphasized the department's commitment to protecting workers' rights and ensuring employers meet legal obligations.

To address these Fair Labor Standards Act violations, the division recovered $422,137 in back overtime wages along with an equal amount in liquidated damages. This totals $844,274 recovered: $634,119 for 123 employees at We Care Homes and $210,156 for 35 employees at Special Needs Unlimited LLC.

Mouton advised employers uncertain about compliance with federal regulations to seek assistance from local Wage and Hour Division offices. The division offers confidential communication with both workers and employers in over 200 languages via their hotline at 1-866-4-US-WAGE (487-9243).

Additionally, the agency provides resources such as a Timesheet App available in English and Spanish for Android and Apple devices to help ensure accurate tracking of hours and pay.