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US Department of Labor starts Fair Labor Standards Act Audit on city

Monday, Aug. 1, 2016
RICHMOND COUNTY, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) –It’s unclear why the US Department of Labor is focusing on Augusta for a Fair Labor Standards Act Audit and they aren’t required to tell the city that, but Augusta Commissioner Grady Smith says he wishes he would have been notified by top Augusta leaders.

“It lets me know that I’m a player, but apparently I’m not on the team,” Smith said.

All city workers, except those working under elected officials and constitutional officers are being interviewed. The process will continue in person and over the phone.

“Apparently they got some pretty decent information,” Smith said.

In a message from the administrator she states that audits like this can be triggered by complaints or can be started by the department of labor. For some employees who have been with the city for over 30 years, this is a first.

After a lawsuit the city admitted to a pay miscalculation with overtime money for firefighters last year, something the city partially blamed on a software glitch. It’s unclear if that triggered this audit.

“I think when the federal government takes notice you better take notice because believe me when they come in their way of thinking is that you’re guilty and you better pay to prove yourself innocent,” Smith said.

From minimum wage to overtime pay issues, basic payrol, employment records, and working hours, they can all come into consideration with the audit. If violations are found, those can come with penalties. Those could include back pay, fines, and if appropriate, criminal charges.

Smith says directors and the administrator are responsible for making sure payroll is correct.

“We pay them to do a job and they need to see how they can solve it and then if there’s a problem then we have some of them come in to the commission and tell us what’s wrong,” Smith said.

A labor department auditor will continue interviewing employees on Thursday.

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Source: News