US Department of Labor recovers $184K in back wages, damages for 56 workers shortchanged by Naples restaurant

Summary:

The U.S. Department of Labor has recovered $184,139 in back wages and liquidated damages for 56 seasonal guest workers and U.S. workers of Sails Restaurant LLC in Naples, Florida. The agency found multiple violations of federal nonimmigrant work program regulations, federal minimum wage and overtime regulations, and the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). The violations included misrepresenting job requirements, imposing special experience requirements, failing to provide job orders, and improperly classifying jobs. The Wage and Hour Division also found that the employer illegally kept tips from some workers, failed to pay one worker their last paycheck, and paid incorrect overtime rates. The division assessed $53,536 in civil money penalties and is hosting a free webinar on February 22 to educate employers on the requirements under the FLSA and H-2B provisions.