Department of Labor Recovers $213,042 in Back Wages for Foreign Students Working in Hershey’s Packaging Plant
The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) recovered $213,042 in back wages for 1,028 foreign students who were employed by Hershey’s repackaging candies for promotional displays. These students were participating in J-1 programs designed to promote educational and cultural exchange.
The DOL found minimum wage and overtime violations of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) based on Hershey’s practice of reducing students’ hourly wages to cover excessive housing costs.
Any students who were working at the Hershey’s Palmyra plant between November 2009 and October 2011 can apply for back wages by completing a form posted here.
Author: Conchita Lozano-Batista