Acton Restaurant Owes Back Wages to Underpaid Employees

The U.S. Labor Department has found that 34 Boston-area restaurants owe more than $1.3 million in back wages to employees, including in Acton - and 14 other Not Your Average Joe's in the area.

According to a press release issued Thursday by the U.S. Labor Department, officials found violations relating minimum wage, overtime and record-keeping. The approximate $1.3 million is owed to 478 employees at various establishments around Boston.

During the investigation, the Labor Department found that some restaurants were paying flat salaries for all hours worked and not including any overtime pay. Some restaurants were also paying incorrect overtime wages, making illegal deductions from employees' paychecks and not keeping accurate records of employees' hours.

The federal Fair Labor Standards Act requires employees at least be paid the federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour in addition to time and a half of their regular wage for every hour worked over 40 hours. 

The Labor Department said in its press release it plans to continue to work with state agencies and the Massachusetts Restaurant Association to make sure local restaurants comply with the law.