Wage Laws Are Enforced After Employers Deny Overtime to 1,400 Workers

Two Phoenix drywall and painting companies have been ordered to pay over $7.4 million after the Department of Labor found they intentionally denied overtime pay to more than 1,400 workers. The investigation revealed that the companies used multiple tactics, including paying workers with multiple checks, cash payments through labor brokers, and piece-rate systems that ignored overtime requirements. Under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), all non-exempt employees must be paid time-and-a-half for hours worked over 40 in a week, regardless of how they’re paid. Employers cannot disguise pay methods to avoid this obligation. This case underscores the importance of knowing your rights. If you’re working long hours without overtime pay, receiving multiple checks, or being paid in cash or by the job, you may be owed significant back wages. See Julie Su v. Apodaca Wall Systems Inc. and Empire Wall Systems Inc. (D. Ariz.)