MCMINNVILLE, OR – An investigation by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division found a McMinnville restaurant incorrectly categorized 19 workers as exempt, not paying them the legally required overtime premium, and used workers’ tips to supplement base wages, all violations of federal wage law. Division investigators determined that Taste of India 1 violated the Fair Labor Standards Act by paying 19 non-exempt employees straight-time rather than the overtime rate of time and one-half the regular rate of pay for all hours worked over 40 in a workweek. Taste of India 1 also illegally used workers’ tips to supplement base wages, establishing an invalid tip pool. As a result of the investigation, the division recovered $200,137 in back wages and $15,256 in civil money penalties assessed against the employer for the willful nature of the violations.Workers and employers can call the Wage and Hour Division with questions and requests for compliance assistance at its toll-free helpline, 866-4US-WAGE (487-9243). Employers are encouraged to use the agency’s industry-specific compliance assistance toolkits to learn about their responsibilities under the laws enforced by the division. The agency’s PAID program offers employers an opportunity to self-report and resolve potential minimum wage and overtime violations under the FLSA, as well as certain potential violations under the Family and Medical Leave Act.Learn more about the Wage and Hour Division, including a search tool that workers can use if they think they may be owed back wages collected by the division. Download the agency’s free timesheet app for iOS and Android devices to track hours and pay.