5 yrs O-T not paid

[mclopeis]

My husband was told Saturday-(payday)that all employees (about 250-300) would have their pay reduced up to 40% due to "hard times'. However, they feel it's for other reasons, I'll explain. Earlier this year the employer had 2 lawsuits (that we know of might be more) placed against him. One for sexual harrasment and one by an employee who was choked and assulted by the employers brother who is also the manager. This employee came back to get his belongings and told my husband \"I am suing him and then even you guys are all going to benefit, he will have to pay me and all you guys for the overtime he has not paid, and all the illegal deductions and how we have been hurt on the job and he has not paid us\". This employer has many undocumented workers and they feel they can not speak up or do anything due to this. My husband is one of the few that legally are able to work. However he is afraid to take action for fear of losing his job. He was told that he is salary paid however he (and the rest) were handed an explanation letter handwritten that states that they are hourly employees and what their new rate of pay would be (8.00 hr.) Now they will work 40 hours and paid for 40 instead of working 54 hours and paid for 40. They must now punch in and out. However I told my husband if your salary then why would they deduct on days you missed or left early. The employers business deals with junkyard/automotive parts and glass installing, maybe one mechanic but not hired as a mechanic and few other misc duties his employees perform-delivery and so forth. Please tell us if these
employees have had their rights violated. It is very hard for them, and us to consider paying legal fees right now since we are all in the same boat
with our mortgages, but if there is any legal agency or labor department to turn to. I sincerely Thank You in advance on behalf of all the employees and my husband.