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Wage and Hour Division (WHD)
Press Releases
U.S. Department of Labor |
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ALBANY, N.Y. -- The U.S. Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division is currently conducting a compliance initiative in the health care industry in New York state. This initiative aims to promote compliance with the minimum wage, overtime, recordkeeping and child labor provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), and to ensure employees are protected and compensated in accordance with the law.
“The Wage and Hour Division’s Albany District Office, which covers all New York state counties north of New York City, is currently conducting investigations as part of this initiative,” said District Director Chris Martin. “Those companies found not to be in compliance may be assessed penalties and be held liable for back wages owed to employees.”
Less than 36 percent of health care employers investigated by the division’s Albany office during the last five years were in compliance with the FLSA. A total of $2,202,723 in back wages was found to be due to 4,702 employees, for an average of $468 per employee.
The FLSA requires that covered employees be paid at least the federal minimum wage as well as one and one-half times their regular rates of pay for hours worked over 40 per week. Additionally, the law requires that accurate records of employees’ wages, hours and other conditions of employment be maintained. The federal minimum wage for covered, nonexempt employees is $7.25 per hour.
For more information about the FLSA’s requirements, call the Department of Labor’s toll-free helpline at 866-4US-WAGE (487-9243). Information is also available on the Internet at http://www.dol.gov/whd.
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U.S. Department of Labor releases are accessible on the Internet at www.dol.gov. The information in this news release will be made available in alternate format (large print, Braille, audio tape or disc) from the COAST office upon request. Please specify which news release when placing your request at (202) 693-7828 or TTY (202) 693-7755. The Labor Department is committed to providing America’s employers and employees with easy access to understandable information on how to comply with its laws and regulations. For more information, please visit www.dol.gov/compliance.