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Only 6 ex-La Mode workers show up
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Posted on May 16 2005
The Department of Labor conducted another hearing yesterday for La Mode Inc. workers disputing the amount of their unpaid wages.
Only six of 17 concerned workers showed up at the hearing. Each of them was given the opportunity to raise their objection to the amount of their unpaid wages, as estimated by La Mode.
During the hearing, at least two of the workers claimed wages for work rendered during periods barred by the statute of limitations.
It also turned out that some of the workers were not actually contesting La Mode’s estimate. A misunderstanding during the April 28 and 29 hearings apparently resulted in their being listed with those disputing their wage amounts.
Further, it was found that most of the disputes concerned a difference of $50 to $70 in the wage amounts.
Attorney Richard W. Pierce, counsel for La Mode, expressed willingness to settle the differences with the workers.
Yesterday’s hearing was held pursuant to an April 29 administrative order resolving a compliance agency case against La Mode, which ceased operations on April 25.
In the order, Labor hearing officer Maya Kara gave La Mode employees who want to continue working in the Commonwealth until June 13 to transfer to new employers.
Individuals who are unwilling or unable to find a new employer within the given 45-day period may return to their country of origin at the expense of La Mode.
Aside from granting transfer relief to workers, the order also gives La Mode 15 days to pay the wages of workers who do not dispute the amount of their unpaid wages, as estimated by La Mode.
