US Department of Labor recovers $25K in back wages, damages after finding Cowpens plumbing company shortchanged 17 workers’ overtime

Summary:

The U.S. Department of Labor's Wage and Hour Division conducted an investigation into Williams Plumbing & Associates Inc. and found that the employer had violated the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) by:

Paying employees a time-and-a-half rate for only the first five hours over 40 in a workweek and reverting to the regular rate thereafter
Deducting late-arrival penalties without authorization
* Failing to keep accurate records of hours worked and driving time

As a result, the employer owes $25,364 in back wages and liquidated damages to 17 workers. The investigation highlights the importance of employers complying with FLSA regulations and the need for accurate records and fair compensation for workers.