Daniyal Enterprises LLC and owner Waseem Chaudhary, and other companies owned and operated by Chaudhary, have agreed to pay $2 million in overtime back wages and an additional $1 million in liquidated damages to 417 workers employed at 72 of Chaudhary’s New Jersey gas stations after investigations by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division found violations of the Fair Labor Standards Act.
The department also has assessed $91,000 in civil money penalties against this employer because of the repeat and willful nature of the violations. Additionally, the employer has agreed to take proactive measures, including a three-year monitoring program at each gas station, to ensure future FLSA compliance.
“This agreement returns hard-earned wages to workers in one of only two states that still mandates full-service gas pumps,” said acting Secretary of Labor Seth D. Harris. “All gas station owners and operators in New Jersey should take note of this precedent by reviewing their payroll practices and legal obligations. Gas station attendants are few in number, earn low wages, work long hours and often lack English proficiency – factors that contribute to their vulnerability as well as the importance of protecting their right to be paid properly.”The department also has assessed $91,000 in civil money penalties against this employer because of the repeat and willful nature of the violations. Additionally, the employer has agreed to take proactive measures, including a three-year monitoring program at each gas station, to ensure future FLSA compliance.
