New Jersey Gas Stations Target of DOL Investigation
The federal Department of Labor recently recovered $1,014,895.00 in back wages for 295 gas station employees in New Jersey, according to a recent DOL News Release.
According to the DOL, the stations had engaged in a number of improper pay practices. Specifically, the stations paid employees below minimum wage; paid a flat salary or "straight time" wages for all hours worked, instead of properly overtime compensation requirements; and paid cash wages "off the books," instead of properly keeping track of employees' wages and hours worked.
This is another example of the DOL targeting a specific industry where it believes that wage and hour violations are rampant. It also is another example of why employers should not rely on the practices in their industry as evidence that their own pay practices are compliant with state and/or federal wage and hour law.
