Violations of FLSA at Horse Training Facility May Lead to Wage and Hour Lawsuit

Although the world of horse racing may seem glamorous, a recent investigation has revealed that significant workplace violations against a major training facility.  According to filings, the horse racing trainer and his company failed to pay numerous workers what they were entitled to, violating the terms of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and the H-2B non-immigrant visa program.

The lawsuit is a reminder to all workers that most employers must abide by the terms of federal law, including the FLSA, and must pay their workers what they are rightfully entitled to. In general, workers must be paid at least minimum wage and most non-exempt workers are entitled to earn overtime pay at a rate of one and one-half their standard rate of pay for all time spent working in excess of 40 hours in any work week.

In this instance, groomers and walkers at the stables asserted they were not paid overtime wages. Additional immigration related violations included failing to pay H-2B employees the wages they were offered and misrepresenting terms and conditions of employment.

The case settled and awarded the workers significant funds in back wages, liquidated damages, and civil penalties for willful violations of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and the labor provisions of the H-2B non-immigrant visa program.

For more information or if you have any pay related questions, please contact our dedicated wage and hour lawyers at Buckley Bala Wilson Mew LLP for an immediate case evaluation.