US Department of Labor recovers $105K in unpaid wages, damages after investigation finds Lacey restaurants violated overtime, child labor laws

Summary:

The U.S. Department of Labor's Wage and Hour Division conducted an investigation into Mayan Mexican Restaurant, operated by Jose Sanchez, which found violations of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and child labor regulations. The investigation revealed that the employer failed to pay 20 workers their full earnings, including overtime wages, and also allowed a minor-aged employee to work beyond the allowable hours. As a result, the employer was ordered to pay $52,923 in unpaid overtime wages and $6,440 in civil money penalties. The investigation highlights the importance of employers complying with federal regulations and ensuring that employees receive fair compensation for their work.