News Release

US Department of Labor files complaint against Georgia hotels, owner who allegedly violated federal wage laws, retaliated against workers

Date of action:                       Feb. 22, 2022

Type of action:                      Complaint

Court:                                     U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Georgia, Gainesville Division

Names of defendants:           Jankijuhi Inc., operating as America’s Best Value Inn; Juhi Janki LLC, operating as Hofbrau River Front Hotel; Jasmine Juhi LLC, operating as Budgetel Inn;        Chhaganbhai Somabai Inc., operating as Jameson Hotel; and Ashvin Patel, owner

Allegations: An investigation by the U.S. Department of Labor of the above-named defendants, each operating in Helen, Georgia, identified the following Fair Labor Standards Act violations:

  • Paid flat salaries without regard to the number of hours worked, which led to minimum wage violations when average hourly wage rates fell below the federal minimum wage.
  • Paid flat salaries and failed to pay time-and-one-half rate for overtime when workers exceeded 40 hours in a workweek.
  • Engaged in discriminatory actions and violated workers’ federally protected rights when they retaliated against workers suspected of filing complaints.

In its complaint, the division has requested a court order to enjoin the employer from further FLSA violations.

Quote:Employers are required to comply with all applicable anti-retaliation laws, including those meant to ensure worker protection regarding wages under the Fair Labor Standards Act,” said Regional Solicitor of Labor Tremelle Howard in Atlanta.

Agency
Wage and Hour Division
Date
February 23, 2022
Release Number
22-329-ATL
Media Contact: Eric R. Lucero
Phone Number
Media Contact: Erika Ruthman
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