TAMPA, FL — A Florida hotel builder recently agreed to a settlement with the U.S. Department of Labor to resolve claims that the company failed to properly pay dozens of employees working on a construction project in Hawaii their proper wages, including overtime pay. As part of the settlement agreement, Neptune Construction Group Inc. will pay back a combined $173,320 in back pay and damages to 38 current and former workers for violations of federal wage and labor laws.
According to an investigation by the Labor Department’s Wage and Hour Division, Neptune Construction violated the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) when it failed to pay 19 of its workers one and a half times their individual wages when working above the 40-hour overtime threshold. Furthermore, the company misapplied the limited overtime pay exemptions under the FLSA to the remaining 19 workers and owed these individuals back overtime, as well.
“Employees depend on receiving the wages they have rightfully earned,” said Terrence Trotter, Wage and Hour Division District Director in Honolulu. “Wage violations can be avoided when employers understand the rules. We encourage employers to contact us for guidance so they can avoid violations. The Department of Labor offers many tools to help employers comply.”
Under the FLSA, workers must earn at least the federal $7.25 per hour minimum wage and most hourly workers are entitled to earn at least one and a half times their average hourly wage, which includes bonuses and commissions. Additionally, employers must pay their workers premium overtime pay when working more than 40 hours per week. Only certain types of workers are exempt from overtime pay and must perform very specific duties critical to the day to day operations of the business.
When employers do break the law, employees have the legal right to hire an attorney to file lawsuits in federal court. The FLSA allows wage theft victims to recover their back wages with interest, damages equal to back pay, and attorneys fees to cover the cost of litigating the matter.
Construction Worker Unpaid Overtime Lawsuit
Call (855) 754-2795 or complete the Free Unpaid Overtime Case Review form on the top right of this page if you feel that your wage rights are being violated under the FLSA. Our top-rated team of unpaid wage lawyers will evaluate your situation to determine your best course of action to help you seek justice.
Our office will also determine if it is in your best interest to file a lawsuit against your employer. Because strict time limitations apply for filing these types of claims, we advise you contact our experienced unpaid overtime wage attorneys at your earliest convenience and preserve your legal rights.