30/07/10, 05:42:31 EDT

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Labor department investigates violations at tourist destination

newsday.com

The students came from as far away as Poland and Russia for the opportunity to work at hotels and restaurants around Lake George, but their employers violated numerous state labor laws, according to an investigation by the state Labor Department.

"Some weren't being paid properly, I understand some of them weren't being paid at all," department spokeswoman Chris Perham said.

The Labor Department investigators found that the offenses, which varied by location, included: cheating workers out of proper wages, violating child labor laws, refusing to pay required overtime, and deducting rent from wages.

The Depe Dene Resort, S.J. Garcia's, Ramada Express, Quality Inn and Econo Lodge in Queensbury were found in violation.

Two additional employers, Taste of Poland and Choice Inn & Suites, recently settled labor violation cases.

Lake George Mayor Robert Blais reported the violations to the Labor Department early this month after workers complained about their treatment.

The students pay to come to Lake George because they need to find work, Perham said.

The town desperately needs the approximately 500 workers who come from various parts of Eastern Europe so area businesses can keep their doors open.

"We want to give the students a good experience working in the U.S. and encourage them to return," Blais said in a written statement. "The unscrupulous employers who take advantage of these young people send the wrong message."

The Labor department found that S.J. Garcia's owed $47,765.52 in unpaid wages, Depe Dene owed $3,200, Ramada Express owed $14,209.26 and Quality Inn and Econo Lodge owed $46,505.22.

The state will try to reimburse employees who have returned to their home countries. In many cases officials still have the students' contact information, Perham said.

"A large portion of each of the fines is missing wages or interest that's due to the employees," she said.

Remaining funds are turned over to the state.

S.J. Garcia's has temporarily disconnected its phone and couldn't be reached for comment.

The Depe Dene Resort, Ramada Express, Quality Inn and Econo Lodge did not immediately return calls for comment.

 Printable Version  | published Nov 06, 2007