Schatz Commends U.S. Labor Department for Swift Response to Maile Sky Court Worker Violations

Statement

U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai"i) today commended the U.S. Department of Labor's (USDOL) Wage and Hour Division for taking quick action to investigate and confirm the numerous employment violations occurring at Maile Sky Court, a 600-room hotel in Waikiki that is being renovated into a Holiday Inn Express.

The USDOL fined R&R Construction Services, the Texas-based contractor doing the $25 million renovation, $371,376 for numerous violations including misclassifying workers as independent contractors rather than employees. Penalties against Maile Sky Court currently total just over $1.1 million.

"The penalties underscore our zero tolerance for employers who knowingly exploit their workers and skirt the law for financial gain," said Senator Schatz. "It is clear that R&R Construction Services had no regard for the welfare of our residents and our state. Anyone doing business in Hawai"i must comply with all employment and labor laws to protect workers and our community."

Following reports of employment violations at Maile Sky Court, Senator Schatz directed his senior staff to work with state and federal regulators and the Hawai"i Regional Council of Carpenters to determine the extent of the abuses and to encourage appropriate remedial measures.

Source