After an investigation by the U.S. Department of Labor, a local lawn care company is paying out nearly $47,000 in back wages to current and former employees.
Paradise Yards L.L.C. doing business in Lubbock as Paradise Lawns was cited for violating overtime and record-keeping rules.
The department's Albuquerque office found the employer had misclassified employees as independent contractors rather than regular employees.
Juan Rodriguez, U.S. Dept. of Labor Public Affairs Deputy, said "The employees were paid straight time for all hours worked instead of time and one half of their regular rate for hours worked over 40 in a week as required by the fair labor standards act."
Paradise Lawns Owner Jay Taylor said the violations stem from the payroll practices of an ex-business partner. The company has agreed to fully comply. All back wages owed have been paid in full.
