Nursing facility caregivers have recently been able to recover nearly $3 million in owed wages. Peterson Health Care Inc., which manages health care centers across several states, allegedly failed to pay its workers the proper overtime. Affected workers include over 3,000 nursing facility caregivers at 84 locations employed by Peterson Health Care throughout Illinois, Indiana, Iowa and Missouri.
Specifically, the Department of Labor investigation looked into claims made by nursing facility caregivers that alleged they weren’t properly compensated at the time and a half rate for overtime when working over 40 hours per week as required under the Fair Labor Standards Act (“FLSA”). Additionally, workers claimed they went unpaid for work hours noting having to consistently work through meal breaks uncompensated. Also, the facilities allegedly failed to keep wage records that accurately reflected hours worked by nursing facility caregivers as mandated by the FLSA. The settlement of $2,939,576 will resolve these claims and also put into effect new policies that will help ensure the company complies with the FLSA in the future.
If you are a nursing facility caregiver or work in the industry, you likely work long hours. It’s important to know if you’re getting paid correctly and in accordance with the law. Our firm, Fitapelli & Schaffer, LLP, offers a free and confidential phone consultation to see if you may have any claims. Call us at (212)300-0375 if you have any questions or visit our website here for additional helpful information regarding your workplace rights.