US Department of Labor seeks to recover back wages for more than 600 skilled nursing workers whose employers allegedly withheld wages

Summary:

The U.S. Department of Labor has filed a complaint against 25 Massachusetts skilled nursing facilities, alleging that they intentionally withheld overtime wages from at least 624 employees and failed to maintain accurate employment records. The facilities, operated by Next Step Healthcare LLC, deducted 30 minutes from employees' hours worked for meal breaks, resulting in unpaid regular rate and overtime wages. The Department of Labor seeks to recover unpaid wages, liquidated damages, and restrain the employers from future violations. This investigation is part of the Department's efforts to ensure workers are paid properly for all hours worked, and highlights the importance of accurate recordkeeping and overtime pay practices in the healthcare industry.