Wage and Hour Division (WHD)

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FOSTORIA, Ohio --

A vehicle distribution facility based in Fostoria, Ohio, has paid $77,171 in back wages to 43 employees following an investigation by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division.

“The Labor Department is committed to vigorously enforcing the law to ensure that employees are paid all of the wages they are owed,” said George Victory, director of the Wage and Hour district office in Columbus, Ohio.

The Wage and Hour Division investigated Caliber Auto Transfer of Ohio under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), the federal law that establishes the minimum wage and overtime standards. The investigation disclosed overtime violations for hourly-paid office employees and switcher crews who moved boxcars in the yard. The workers were paid straight-time for all hours and were not paid time and one-half after 40 hours in a week. The violations occurred from April 2003 through April 2005.

Caliber Auto Transfer of Ohio cooperated fully during the investigation. After the Wage and Hour Division explained the overtime requirements of the FLSA, the company immediately changed its payroll policies to ensure that all workers are paid properly.

The FLSA requires covered employees to be paid the minimum wage 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 2004 for more than 288,000 workers. For more information about the FLSA, 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.

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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.