In the case of Sigui v. M + M Communications, Inc., a jury found the M + M Communications, Inc. and M & M Corporation LA, Inc. (M & M), guilty of violating the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), the Rhode Island Minimum Wage Act (RIMWA), and the Rhode Island Payment of Wages Act (RIPWA). The jury also determined that these violations were willful.
The jury specified the number of unpaid hours for each employee, including unpaid regular hours, unpaid overtime hours, and minimum shift unpaid hours. The court invited both parties to provide documents on the calculation of damages. While the employees provided a comprehensive document, M & M did not provide any such document or oppose the employees’ calculations.
The Court agreed with the employees’ calculations of compensatory damages. They had determined the amount of damages based on the hours awarded by the jury and multiplied them by the stipulated regular hourly rate. The court agreed with the plaintiffs’ calculations for compensatory damages, prejudgment interest, liquidated damages, and misclassification penalties.
The court ultimately awarded the plaintiffs amounts for compensatory damages, prejudgment interest, and liquidated damages. The court also imposed additional penalties on M & M for misclassification violations. The judgment was entered in favor of the employees, and the penalties will be divided between the employees and the Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training.
Key lessons from this case:
- The jury determined the precise number of unpaid hours for each employee based on the evidence presented. It highlights the importance of maintaining accurate and detailed records of employee work hours and wages.
- It is important to provide comprehensive documents and calculations to support claims and facilitate accurate determination of damages.
- Employers should actively participate in legal proceedings and present their arguments and evidence to challenge or dispute the claims made against them.
If you want to know more about overtime regulations, read our guide on Rhode Island Overtime Laws.
