Secretary of Labor, United States Department of Labor v. Valley Wide Plastering Construction Incorporated

**Construction Company Violated Workers' Wage Rights** The U.S. Department of Labor sued Valley Wide Plastering Construction Incorporated for breaking federal wage laws. The company was accused of stealing wages from workers, not paying required overtime rates, and failing to pay minimum wage as required by law. **Court Decision** The court ruled in favor of the Department of Labor, finding that Valley Wide Plastering Construction had indeed violated the Fair Labor Standards Act. This federal law sets rules for minimum wage and overtime pay that employers must follow. The company was held responsible for these wage and hour violations. **What This Means for Workers** This case shows that the government will take action against employers who cheat workers out of proper pay. Construction workers and others in similar industries should know that federal law requires: - Payment of at least minimum wage for all hours worked - Overtime pay (time-and-a-half) for hours worked beyond 40 in a week - Proper record-keeping of work hours Workers who suspect their employer is violating wage laws can file complaints with the Department of Labor, which has the power to investigate and take legal action against violators.