Labor & Employment

US Department of Labor Recovers $409K Back Wages from Little Caesars Operator

The U.S. Department of Labor's Wage and Hour Division has recovered $409,457 in back wages from MG Fast Food Inc., an operator of a Little Caesars restaurant. The settlement resolves violations of the Fair Labor Standards Act concerning minimum wage and overtime pay for 32 workers.

US DOL: Restaurant Violated Child Labor and Overtime Laws

The US Department of Labor's Wage and Hour Division found Mt. Fuji Hibachi Inc. violated child labor laws by allowing a minor to perform hazardous tasks and work excessive hours. The investigation also revealed the employer denied overtime pay to 19 workers, resulting in $20,213 in back wages. The company paid a $22,249 civil penalty.

OSHA Cites Grain Silo Operator for Safety Violations After Worker Injury

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has cited Alliance Grain Co. for safety violations following a worker injury. The agency proposed $276,407 in penalties for alleged failures in machine guarding, lockout/tagout procedures, and grain bin entry safety.

OSHA Cites 3 Companies After 6 Worker Deaths from Gas Exposure

The U.S. Department of Labor's OSHA has cited Prospect Ranch LLC, Fiske Inc., and HD Builders for serious violations following the deaths of six workers due to hazardous gas exposure at a Colorado dairy farm. The companies face proposed penalties totaling over $246,000.

US Department of Labor Probes California UI Program for Fraud

The U.S. Department of Labor announced it will probe California's Unemployment Insurance program due to concerns over fraud and improper payments. A specialized strike team will investigate potential fraud and abuse, aiming to restore the program's integrity and financial health.

OSHA Cites US Steel and MPW for Safety Violations After Explosion

The U.S. Department of Labor's OSHA has cited United States Steel Corp. and MPW Industrial Services Inc. following an investigation into an August 2025 explosion that killed two workers and injured 12. OSHA proposed penalties totaling $179,687 for serious safety violations related to explosion and hazardous energy control hazards.

Labor Department Cites Contractor for 16 Serious Violations After Fatalities

The U.S. Department of Labor's OSHA has cited Construction Labor Services Inc. for 16 serious violations following a worksite incident that resulted in two worker fatalities due to exposure to sewage gas. The agency has proposed penalties totaling $257,707.

Labor Department Orders Texas Companies to Pay $200K+ for Asbestos Whistleblower Retaliation

The U.S. Department of Labor's OSHA has ordered two Texas construction companies to pay over $200,000 in back wages and damages to two workers fired for raising asbestos concerns. The companies must also reinstate the employees.

Labor Recovers Back Wages and Penalties from Denver Restaurant

The U.S. Department of Labor recovered $61,568 in back wages for 11 Denver restaurant workers after an investigation found Tommy's Oriental Food Inc. unlawfully kept employee tips. The employer also paid a $990 civil penalty for Fair Labor Standards Act violations.

WHD Updates Child Labor Penalty Assessment Procedures

The Wage and Hour Division (WHD) has updated its Field Assistance Bulletin regarding child labor civil money penalty assessments. This update introduces new assessment procedures for non-serious injury and non-injury violations, aiming to ensure consistent and full utilization of the agency's penalty authority.