Posted on 21-Dec-09 by The Timekeeper

An investigation by the US DOL identified violations of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) at 12 gas stations in New Jersey, all owned by one Natha Singh. As a result, he has agreed to pay $57,389.48 in back wages to 32 workers.

Reportedly Singh was found to have failed to pay overtime for hours worked in excess of 40 per week, and to have failed to maintain proper recordkeeping. Now, I understand when it comes to employee classification there are often gray areas, particularly with lower-level jobs that carry the title of “manager” and pay over $455 a week, but still involve a lot of “hands-on” work. But I really can’t imagine the majority of workers at a typical convenience store/gas station being even close to qualifying for non-exempt status. Call me cynical, but I”m having a hard time considering this anything other than a willful violation.

Anyway, here’s the part of the story I really wanted to make sure came to your attention: apparently the DOL has an ongoing “gas station enforcement initiative,” which over the past three years has resulted in 52 investigations by the Northern New Jersey District Office alone, resulting in over $443,000 in back wages recovered.

Wow. Now that’s a lot of gas money. And that’s just in the Northern New Jersey district alone.

So, if you’re running a gas station, better make sure you’re tracking employee work time, keeping historical records on hand and paying for overtime. The Feds may well already be watching you. (Cue scary music…)

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