The U.S. Department of Labor's Wage and Hour Division has resolved a lawsuit against Houston-based Universal Project Management Inc. and Irving, Texas-based Fluor Enterprises Inc. for failing to pay $1million to 154 workers in overtime compensation in the wake of Hurricane Katrina as required by the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).

"Workers who help rebuild our communities and secure the safety of local residents following natural disasters should be fairly and legally compensated for the work they perform," said Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis. "This department is committed to securing their wages and overtime."

The department filed a consent judgment against Fluor Enterprises Inc. and obtained a default judgment against Universal Project Management Inc. in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas, Houston Division, following an investigation by the Wage and Hour Division in Houston which found that the companies paid straight time only for all hours worked. The settlement agreement has resulted in payment of $1 million for these hurricane workers. Payment of back wages is ongoing. (please click link for full story)