Wage and Hour Division (WHD)

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MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. -- Northside Tire Town, Rochester, Minn., and two NAPA Auto Parts businesses, also in Rochester, Minn., have paid $42,815 in back overtime wages to 36 employees following an investigation by the U.S. Department of Labor. The auto repair and parts businesses, all under the same ownership, have also been assessed a $6,480 for alleged child labor violations of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).

Investigators from the department's Wage and Hour Division determined that the businesses had failed to include bonuses and commissions when computing a basis for overtime pay, and that salaried employees were erroneously considered exempt from overtime pay. Child labor violations cited by the Labor Department involved persons under 18 years of age regularly engaged in driving vehicles.

"The Department of Labor is committed to ensuring that workers are paid in accordance with the law and for all hours worked. Through our efforts, these businesses have agreed to pay $42,815 in back wages to their employees and to ensure that all of their workers are properly compensated for all hours worked," said Wage and Hour Division District Director Denise Scharlemann.

The FLSA requires the payment of minimum wage, currently $5.15 per hour, and the payment 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 about the FLSA call the Labor Department's toll-free help line at 1-866-4USWAGE (1-866-487-9243) or the Salt Lake City office at 801-524-5706. Information also is 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.