An investigation by the US Department of Labor led to major changes by a Tampa employer in its pay practices that have the potential to affect the lives of more than 2,000 local workers. The investigation by department’s Wage and Hour Division found HealthPlan Services Inc. — a healthcare benefits management provider — failed to pay employees for time spent setting up their computers and logging in to software applications before the start of their shifts. Additionally, the employer failed to include bonuses in the calculation of overtime pay, which led to the payment of overtime at a rate lower than the law requires. The department recovered $105,200 in back wages for 92 employees. In addition to paying back wages, HealthPlan Services agreed to correct its pay practices company-wide to avoid future violations of the Fair Labor Standards Act.
