Department of Labor recovers nearly $100K in wages, damages for 31 misclassified Oklahoma construction workers

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Summary:

The U.S. Department of Labor's Wage and Hour Division found Future Inc., a dirt work contractor, misclassified 31 construction workers as independent contractors, violating federal law and resulting in a failure to pay owed wages and liquidated damages. The investigation revealed that Future Inc. did not pay the required time and one-half for hours worked over 40 per workweek. As a result, the company was ordered to pay $49,940 in owed wages and $49,940 in liquidated damages to the affected workers. Authorities emphasized the importance of employers ensuring their hiring practices align with the law to avoid costly violations and ensure workers receive fair compensation and benefits.