Dept. of Labor recovers nearly $100K in wages, damages for 31 Oklahomans

NEWALLA, Okla. (KFOR) - The Department of Labor says it has recovered nearly $100K in wages, damages for 31 misclassified Oklahoma construction workers from Future Inc. after failing to pay overtime.

According to the U.S. Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division found 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 law by failing to pay the required time and one-half its employees’ hourly wages for hours worked over 40 per workweek.

In 2023 investigation findings revealed, the division found more than 35.5 million in owed wages for 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.

A total amount is $49,940 in owed wages and $49,940 in liquidated damages to 31 workers is what the DOL recovered saying, “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.”