Wage and Hour Division (WHD)

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MINNEAPOLIS --

Ho Chunk Bingo, Casino, Hotel and Convention Center of Black River Falls, Wis., has paid 449 employees $228,296 in unpaid overtime wages following an investigation by the U.S. Department of Labor.

The investigation by the Labor Department’s Wage and Hour Division found violations of the overtime pay provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) during a two-year period beginning in April 2003. The violations occurred at two establishments located in Black River Falls -- Nekoosa and Baraboo, Wis.

Specifically, the department found that the business incorrectly computed overtime for employees working at more than one hourly rate, took deductions for partial day absences from exempt salaried employees, and improperly applied tip credits. The investigation applied primarily to blackjack dealers and supervisors.

“The Department of Labor is committed to ensuring that workers are paid in accordance with the law and for all hours worked,” said Michelle Lenkaitis, assistant district director of the Wage and Hour office in Madison, Wis.

The FLSA requires payment of the minimum wage and of overtime at time and one-half an employee’s regular rate of pay for all hours worked in excess of 40 per week. The FLSA also contains record keeping requirements and youth employment standards.

For more information, call the Department of Labor’s toll-free help line at 1-866-4USWAGE (1-866-487-9243). Information is also available on the Internet at www.wagehour.dol.gov. Information about the current exemption for while-collar executive, administrative and professional employees can be found on the Internet at www.dol.gov/fairpay.

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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.