Department of Labor recovers nearly $100K in wages, damages for 31 misclassified Oklahoma construction workers

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Department of Labor recovers nearly $100K in wages, damages for 31 misclassified Oklahoma construction workers

Future Inc. failed to pay overtime

Employer name: Future Inc.

Investigation sites:10216 Oak Dr

Newalla, OK 74857

Investigation findings: The U.S. Department of Labor's Wage and Hour Divisionfound Future Inc. - a dirt work contractor serving commercial, industrial and residential clients - misclassified 31 construction workers employed to complete major projects in a multi-state area as independent contractors. Future Inc. violated federal lawby failing to pay the required time and one-half its employees' hourly wages for hours worked over 40 per workweek.

In 2023, the division found more than $35.5 million in owed wagesfor construction industry workers. On Jan. 10, 2024, the department published a final rule, effective March 11, revising the department's guidance on how to analyze who is an employee or independent contractor under the Fair Labor Standards Act. Learn more about the final rule.

Back wages recovered: $49,940 in owed wages and $49,940 in liquidated damages to 31 workers.

Quote: "Misclassifying employees as independent contractors denies workers minimum wage, overtime pay and other protections, and can lead to unfair competition among industry employers," said Wage and Hour District Director Michael Speer in Oklahoma City. "Misclassification can also deny workers employment benefits and protections such as Social Security, unemployment insurance, workers' compensation and family and medical leave. Employers must ensure their hiring practices align with the law to avoid costly violations."

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