Court orders Minnesota carnival operators to pay $146K in back wages to temporary foreign workers denied wages, $63K in civil money penalties

Summary:

A U.S. Department of Labor Administrative Law Judge decision was issued on March 13, 2024, affirming the findings of a Wage and Hour Division investigation. The investigation determined that GoldStar Amusements Inc. and Lee's Concessions Inc., both owned by the same couple, Michael and Connie Featherston, in Fairbault, Minnesota, failed to pay prevailing wages, transportation costs, and accurately maintain earning statements for foreign workers employed under the H-2B visa program in 2016 and 2017. The companies were ordered to pay $146,243 in wages and damages to 55 employees, as well as $63,584 in civil money penalties.