Latest News

The Department of Labor found that a quarry in Idaho violated H-2B workers’ rights at work and must pay them for their lost wages and other damages. Over sixty workers at the quarry will receive part of a $983,725 payment from their employer, Northern Stone Supply Inc., and its owner Gregory Osterhout. 

Northern Stone Supply Inc. failed to respect several of the workers’ rights. The company did not provide workers with the wage promised in their contract; and it did not provide them with the equipment they needed to work free of charge. It also failed to keep records on pay; did not pay overtime wages; and did not provide the workers with a copy of the job order. Additionally, the company paid the employees a piece rate instead of the hourly wage they were promised. 

Due to these violations, the court is requiring Northern Stone Supply Inc. to pay almost one million U.S. dollars to the workers. Department of Labor attorney Marc Pilotin explained, “The department will hold employers like Northern Stone Supply accountable when they violate the employment [laws] for all workers.”

The Department of Labor confirmed with this investigation that employers must respect H-2B workers’ legal rights. This includes paying the amount promised, paying time and one-half for overtime work, and keeping proper records of worker earnings.

If you see any violations like these in your place of work, don’t hesitate to reach out to Centro de los Derechos del Migrante Inc. (CDM) at 1-855-234-9699 (from the U.S.), or 800-590-1773 (from Mexico). We are open Monday to Friday from 9:00am to 5:00pm (Central Time.) 

To read the Department of Labor’s entire announcement, click here. 

Visit us on Facebook, you can find us at Contratados.