US Department of Labor recovers $137,838 in wages, damages For 71 home health care workers denied overtime

Employer name:        Lubbock Essential Home Health Care Inc., operating as Essential Home Health

Investigation site:      Lubbock, Texas

Investigation findings:  Fair Labor Standards Act overtime violations were found when the employer paid 71 workers – most working as health aides – straight time for all hours worked instead of time and one-half the employees’ hourly rate of pay, as the law requires in this case.

Back wages recovered:     $137,838 ($68,919 and an equal amount in liquidated damages)

“Home health workers are essential healthcare workers who perform vital care for people in need and often work long hours. These workers must be paid time-and-a-half for hours worked over 40,” said Wage and Hour District Director Evelyn Ortiz in Albuquerque, New Mexico. “Employers must understand Fair Labor Standards Act requirements to avoid overtime violations, such as in this case.”