$91K in back wages, damages recovered from Littleton landscaping business

DENVER ( KDVR ) — An investigation by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division found that a Littleton landscaping company denied overtime pay and failed to keep payroll records, violating the Fair Labor Standards Act.

The Labor Department said in a Thursday release that JRM Landscape & Design paid 21 workers straight time for all hours worked, including time worked past 40 hours per workweek. Under federal law, employers must pay workers time and a half for all hours worked over 40 hours per workweek.

“Employers must comply with federal law and pay workers the overtime wages they are rightfully owed,” David Skinner, Wage and Hour District director in Denver, said in a release. “Employers have an obligation to understand the law. Employers and workers who need help understanding the law should contact the Wage and Hour Division.”

According to the Department of Labor, the landscaping company failed to pay approximately $45,537 in back wages and was assessed the same amount in damages. Because of this, the department recovered $91,074 from JRM Landscape and Design.

According to the Better Business Bureau, the business has been in operation since 1997 . The BBB lists the landscaping company as having an “A+” rating.

The U.S. Department of Labor has an online search tool that allows workers to check if they’re owed wages. If you are owed back wages collected by the division, file an online complaint .

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX31 Denver.