News Release — DC Office of the Attorney General

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

February 03, 2022

MEDIA CONTACT:

Office of Communications

Defendants Required Employees to Work 24 Hour Two-Week Shifts, Denied Workers Overtime Wages and Hazard Pay

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Attorney General Karl A. Racine today announced a wage theft lawsuit against a company operating supported-living facilities and its former owners for denying frontline health care workers the wages they were due after working extended hours for patients during the heart of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Azure Healthcare Services, LLC (Azure) operated six supported-living residences in the District for individuals living with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Before the company was sold by its owners, Azure had around 50 employees who served in caregiving, counseling, and support roles for the residents. The lawsuit alleges that the company failed to pay employees the full wages they were owed and overtime wages.

“Denying caregivers and health care workers their hard-earned wages – during the world’s deadliest pandemic – is shameful, illegal, and morally reprehensible,” said AG Racine. “These workers stepped up and did their jobs – working long hours at the company’s request during an unprecedented time for patients in need. They deserve to get paid for that work. Azure Healthcare Services and its former owners prioritized profits over their employees’ livelihoods and well-being and they must be held accountable....

Read Full Story: https://thedcline.org/2022/02/03/press-release-ag-racine-announces-wage-theft...