HARRISBURG, PA — The Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry (L&I) has announced the resolution of a significant labor law violation case, securing judgments totaling $74,249.66 against Warm Hearts Home Care Agency Inc. and its owner, Rick Long. The case stems from allegations that 24 employees were denied their rightful wages.
According to an investigation conducted by the Bureau of Labor Law Compliance, home healthcare workers employed by Warm Hearts Home Care Agency were not adequately compensated for their hours worked, violating Pennsylvania’s state wage laws. The investigation prompted civil legal action to address these repeated violations.
“Every Pennsylvania worker deserves to be fairly paid for their labor—period,” L&I Secretary Nancy A. Walker stated in response to the judgment. Walker emphasized the Department’s commitment to combating wage theft and ensuring compliance across industries, particularly within home healthcare, a field critical to supporting older adults and individuals with disabilities.
The judgments, awarded by Magisterial District Judge Rachel Wiest Benner in Northumberland County, include the value of unpaid wages as well as penalties amounting to 25% of the unpaid wages and additional court costs. Individual settlements for the affected workers range from approximately $1,700 to $4,800.
L&I has reiterated the importance of safeguarding workers’ rights and encourages anyone who believes they may be a victim of wage theft to file a complaint with the Bureau of Labor Law Compliance. Through such actions, the Department aims to maintain fairness and accountability in Pennsylvania’s labor market.
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