US recovers more than $600K in back overtime wages for Utah tile laborers
Aug 23, 2022, 7:34 PM | Updated: 7:35 pm
(KSL TV)
(KSL TV)
SALT LAKE CITY — More than $602,000 of overtime back wages were recovered for more than 127 employees of a Utah title installation company, according to the U.S. Department of Labor.
The department’s sent out information Tuesday stating its Wage and Hour Division investigated C&E Stone Masonry LLC failed to pay overtime to workers who worked more than 40 hours in a work weak, instead paying straight time for all worked hours.
The division said it cited the company for failing to maintain records of employees’ hours worked each work day and total hours worked each workweek. C&E told the DOL it was believed if it pays employees by piece work, it wasn’t required to pay overtime.
The deficient totals included work by piece-work employees, required by the Fair Labor Standards Act. The devision enforced laws of pay practices and determines if employers have misclassified employees as independent contractors and denied them critical benefits and worker protections.
“Ignorance of the law is not a defense,” Kevin Hung with the district in Salt Lake City said. “Employers must be informed about labor laws, and must ensure that workers and their families who depend on their earnings and benefits are not harmed. Employers may contact the Wage and Hour Division with any questions about their obligations or worker’s rights.”
The Bureau of Labor Statistics said it projects construction industry employment to grow at a rate of 6% by 2030, with a gain of approximately 400,000 jobs.
“Employers who ensure their workers are paid their rightful wages and benefits will be best positioned to retain and recruit skilled workers,” it said in a release.
The division has an online search tool for people to use if they think they may be owed back wages. There is also an timesheet app for Android devices to make sure hours and pay are accurate.
