NEWARK, NJ — The U.S. Department of Labor recently filed a civil lawsuit against the owner and operator of four New Jersey gas stations over allegations that the defendant defrauded some of its workforce out of their earnings, including overtime pay. The lawsuit claims that employees at the defendant’s Gulf and Citgo gas stations in Collingswood, Oaklyn, and Haddon Township sometimes worked more than 80 hours in a week but received the same flat, monthly salary which resulted in up to 16 workers receiving less than minimum wage and no overtime pay.
According to an investigation by the Labor Department, employees across the four gas station locations worked at least 70 hours per week but were never paid extra for their premium overtime pay when working more than 40 hours in a week, as required by the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). Workers were paid anywhere from $2,100 to $2,500 per month, which resulted in their average hourly wage being less than the federally mandated $7.25 per hour.
The unpaid overtime lawsuit brought by the Labor Department seeks back earnings for minimum wage and overtime pay with interest and liquidated damages equal to back pay, as afforded under the FLSA, for the wage theft victims who worked as pump attendants and convenience store clerks. Furthermore, the claims ask a federal judge for an injunction to ensure the defendant puts in place new timekeeping procedures to ensure future wage theft does not take place at any of the locations in question.
While the Labor Department does its best to combat wage theft across the country, regulators cannot bring cases on behalf of every single worker who is not paid his or her due wages. To help empower wage theft victims, the FLSA allows these workers to hire a private attorney to bring their own lawsuits in federal court and recover their wages, damages, and even attorneys fees to ensure justice is served and defendants are held accountable.
Gas Station 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 believe 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.