NEWARK — The U.S. Department of Labor recently announced a settlement with a chain of New Jersey gas stations to resolve allegations the defendant cheated workers out of hundreds of thousands in unpaid wages, including hourly pay and overtime wages. An estimated 27 current and former gas station attendants will share in the $463,453.52 award, with each worker receiving compensation based on their hours worked and an additional award of liquidated damages based on their unpaid earnings from the defendant.
According to a press release from the Labor Department, the defendants, doing business as R&R Store, Inc. paid dozens of gas station attendants a flat salary of $2,200 to $2,400 per week, regardless of how many hours the workers put into the job. In fact, the release notes that many of the workers routinely spent as many as 70 hours on the job, earning less than minimum wage and no overtime wages. Oftentimes, businesses give workers titles like “manager” or “supervisor” to pay workers a flat salary without overtime.
Under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), employers must pay their workers at least $7.25 per hour, unless a prevailing state minimum wage is more, and at least one and a half times the individual’s average hourly rate of pay for overtime wages. Furthermore, the FLSA requires employers furnish their workers with accurate wage statements detailing all the employee’s hours worked and income earned during a pay period.
“Not paying employees the wages they’ve earned seriously impacts low-wage employees, such as gas station attendants, causing them hardships as they try to support themselves and their families,” said Charlene Rachor, director of the Wage and Hour Division’s Southern New Jersey District Office. “The U.S. Department of Labor remains focused on New Jersey’s gas stations to determine if FLSA violations exist. If violations are found, we will vigorously pursue corrective action to ensure accountability, deter future violations, and prevent violators from gaining a competitive advantage.”
Gas Station Attendant Unpaid Overtime Lawsuit
Call (855) 754-2795 or complete the Free Unpaid Overtime Case Review form on the top right of this page if you feel that your wage rights are being violated under the FLSA. Our top-rated team of unpaid wage lawyers will evaluate your situation to determine your best course of action to help you seek justice.
Our office will also determine if it is in your best interest to file a lawsuit against your employer. Because strict time limitations apply for filing these types of claims, we advise you contact our experienced unpaid overtime wage attorneys at your earliest convenience and preserve your legal rights.