Wage and Hour Division (WHD)

Printer-Friendly Version

Press Releases

DETROIT, MI --

Pasquali Construction Company, a Hartland, Mich.-based concrete construction contractor, has paid $86,762 in back overtime wages to 69 employees following an investigation into the company’s pay practices conducted by the U.S. Department of Labor.

“The Department of Labor is committed to ensuring that workers, especially low-wage earners, are paid in accordance with the law and for all hours worked,” said James Smith, District Director of the department’s Wage and Hour Division in Detroit.

Investigators from the department’s Wage and Hour Division examined the firm’s payroll and payroll records to determine compliance with the federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). They found that the employer paid straight time hourly rates after 40 hours in a week, contrary to FLSA overtime rules. The investigation also found the employer failed to properly record overtime hours worked. The employer agreed to pay the back wages.

The company had no history of previous FLSA violations and acted quickly to correct the problems.

Enforced by the department’s Wage and Hour Division, the FLSA requires employees to be paid the federal minimum wage of $5.15 for all hours worked and time and one-half the regular rate of pay for hours worked over 40 in a week. Employers must also maintain accurate time and payroll records.

The Wage and Hour Division recovered nearly $200 million in back wages in fiscal year (FY) 2004 for more than 288,000 workers. Average days to resolve a complaint decreased in FY 2004 from 108 days to 92 days.

For more information on the FLSA, visit the agency's website at www.wagehour.dol.gov, or call the Department of Labor's toll-free help line at 1-866-4USWAGE (1-866-487-9243).

###

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.