The Heart and Medical Center Fined for Overtime Violations

Strategic Insights -

The U.S. Department of Labor Wage and Hour Division has issued a news brief announcing that The Heart and Medical Center has been found guilty of violating overtime and recordkeeping provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act. The investigation revealed that the employer paid only the first 40 hours worked per week, denied pay for overtime hours, and failed to pay for missed lunch breaks. As a result, 25 workers will receive $22,728 in back wages and equal amount in liquidated damages.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Heart and Medical Center was investigated by the U.S. Department of Labor's Wage and Hour Division for violating overtime and recordkeeping provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act.
  • The employer paid only the first 40 hours worked per week and denied pay for overtime hours, which is a violation of the Fair Labor Standards Act.
  • The employer also failed to pay for missed lunch breaks that were automatically deducted from workers' time.
  • A total of 25 workers were affected by the violations and will receive $22,728 in back wages and equal amount in liquidated damages.
  • Wage and Hour District Director Michael Speer stated that "Unfortunately, the violations in this case are common in the healthcare industry".
  • Employers can contact the Wage and Hour Division at its toll-free number, 1-866-4-US-WAGE, or visit the agency's website for more information.
  • Workers can also download the department's Android Timesheet App for free to ensure hours worked and pay are accurate.

Statistics:

  • $22,728: Total amount of back wages owed to 25 workers
  • 25 workers: Number of employees affected by the violations
  • 1-866-4-US-WAGE: Toll-free number for employers to contact the Wage and Hour Division
  • https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd: Website where workers can contact a Wage and Hour Division representative

Sources:

  • U.S. Department of Labor Wage and Hour Division
  • Michael Speer, Wage and Hour District Director in Oklahoma City
  • "Fair Labor Standards Act overtime requirements" fact sheet on the Department of Labor website
  • "Contact local offices" list and interactive online map on the Department of Labor website
  • Department of Labor's Android Timesheet App