US Department of Labor files complaint after investigation finds $963K in back wages, damages for 29 employees denied overtime by tree service

Summary:

The U.S. Department of Labor filed a complaint against Red Oak Tree Service Inc., a tree removal and landscaping business based in Crystal Lake, Illinois, on March 21, 2024. The complaint alleges that the company and its owner, Humberto Gonzalez, violated the Fair Labor Standard Act's overtime provisions by paying employees straight time in cash for their overtime work, instead of the required time and one-half their hourly rate. The investigation found that 29 employees were affected by this violation, resulting in a total of $963,854 in back wages and liquidated damages owed.