RIVERSIDE, CA – A federal investigation has found the operator of a southern California towing company failed to pay overtime wages to 32 employees and recovered a total of $218,983 in back wages for them. The U.S. Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division determined Quality Roadside Service Inc., operating as Liberty Towing Inc., paid workers straight-time rates for hours over 40 in a workweek, in violation of Fair Labor Standards Act overtime laws. The Riverside-based employer also failed to maintain accurate records of employees, resulting in recordkeeping violations. “Employers must pay all earned wages, bottom line,” said Assistant District Director Skarleth Kozlo in West Covina, California. “Federal law safeguards that right and the Wage and Hour Division remains vigilant in their enforcement of those rights.”The division also assessed $11,264 in civil money penalties for the willful nature of the violations. “The outcome in this case should serve to remind employers of the costly consequences they may face when shortchanging their employees,” Kozlo added. Learn more about the Wage and Hour Division, including a search tool to use if you think you may be owed back wages collected by the division. Employers and workers can call the division confidentially with questions through the agency’s toll-free helpline at 866-4US-WAGE (487-9243). Download the agency’s new Timesheet App, available for android and iPhone devices, to track hours and pay.