Workers Paid with Gift Cards

Originally published by Thomas J. Crane.

Employers do some crazy things, sometimes. One employer in New Braunfels has been paying “volunteers” with gift cards and fabric. Quilt Haus and Way to Sew have been paying some workers with gift cards payable to the store itself. The workers would receive one gift card valued at $8 for each hour of work. The worker could then use the card to buy fabric. The store referred to the workers as “volunteers.” But, as I understand the Fair Labor Standards act, there is no such thing as a volunteer worker. If the employer accepts your work, then the employer must pay for it.

Apparently, some of the workers complained. Because, the Department of Labor investigated. DOL then found violations. And, now, DOL has now filed suit. See San Antonio Express News report.

It is not that hard to get legal advice about wages. The DOL and Texas Workforce Commission both provide free advice regarding how to pay employees. A person might have to wait on the phone a bit, but it is free. And, an employer can point to that advice later if the business is investigated. I expect these two businesses did not seek legal advice. This method of payment is nowhere close to kosher.

Curated by Texas Bar Today. Follow us on Twitter @texasbartoday.

from Texas Bar Today https://ift.tt/2tw0l2u
via Abogado Aly Website