Georgia Technology Company Ordered to Pay Over 700k in Back Wages

An investigation by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division has resulted in a Georgia technology company agreeing to pay $741,288 in back wages to 73 employees. Semafor Technologies was found guilty of multiple labor violations, specifically in its administration of the H-1B visa program, which gives temporary work visas to nonimmigrants. The program allows U.S.-based employers hire foreign workers that fulfill needs unable to be filled by citizens. If labor violations are found, a company is often required to pay its workers back pay for all of the incorrectly withheld compensation.

The tech company is alleged to have failed to pay 54 foreign H-1B guest workers for periods of time when they were unproductive because they were not given any work, not paying five workers for processing fees related to their employment, and committing both violations to 14 workers. Semafor Technologies creates software and provides a variety of other consulting and outsourcing services.

The DOL released a statement saying: “The Labor Department is committed to protecting the rights of all workers employed in this country. As demonstrated by the resolution of this case, we are using all tools available to remedy violations, promote accountability, and ensure a level playing field for law-abiding employers and legitimate users of the foreign guest worker programs.”

Have you been incorrectly compensated? Do you believe you may have been mistreated by your employer? If so, you are not alone. The prevalence of wage violations is extraordinary across the United States, especially for vulnerable immigrant workers in low-wage employment. The skilled wage attorneys at Morgan & Morgan are experienced in litigating claims against powerful employers and are dedicated to preparing a case that will seek the most compensation possible. We relentlessly pursue justice for our clients, and accountability for their employers.