Wage and Hour Division (WHD)

Printer-Friendly Version

Press Releases

NEW YORK -- Recently completed investigations by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division have resulted in more than $66,000 in back wages recovered for 46 low-wage employees of seven nail salons in New York City. The investigations, conducted as part of a low-wage initiative, found violations of the minimum wage, overtime and recordkeeping provisions of the federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).

The following companies have paid back wages: Classic Nails Inc., $23,844 to eight employees; Classic Nails II Inc., $6,156 to three employees; Scarlet Nails, $8,603 to nine employees; Nails on 54th, $5,700 to five employees; 5th Avenue Beauty, Hair, Nails and Tanning, $8,323 to eight employees; Queen’s Nails Inc., $7,242 to six employees; and Pinky Nail Salon, $6,258 to seven employees.

After being informed of the investigation’s findings in each case, the owner(s) of each establishment paid the back wages found due and assured the Wage and Hour Division of future compliance with the FLSA.

The FLSA requires that employees be paid at least the federal minimum wage and time and one-half their regular rates of pay for hours worked beyond 40 per week. The law also requires that employers maintain accurate records of employees’ wages, hours and other conditions of employment.

According to Philip Jacobson, director of the Wage and Hour Division’s district office in New York City, in two cases his office became aware of the employer’s pay practices through its Rapid Employee Assistance in Chinese Hotline (REACH) initiative. Begun by the division in March 2004, the REACH initiative provides outreach and information to Chinese-speaking workers who have questions about their pay. Chinese language posters and handouts were created to publicize the dedicated telephone line.

Information about the FLSA’s requirements may be obtained by calling the Department of Labor’s toll-free helpline at 866-4US-WAGE (487-9243). Information is also available on the Internet at www.wagehour.dol.gov.The REACH hotline number is 212-264-4175.

###

U.S. Department of Labor releases are accessible on the Internet at www.dol.gov. The information in this news release will be made available in alternate format (large print, Braille, audio tape or disc) from the COAST office upon request. Please specify which news release when placing your request at (202) 693-7828 or TTY (202) 693-7755. The Labor Department is committed to providing America’s employers and employees with easy access to understandable information on how to comply with its laws and regulations. For more information, please visit www.dol.gov/compliance.