ARB on H-1B Benching Violations, Illegal Fee Deductions: Matter of Greater Missouri Medical Pro-Care Providers, Inc.

"We AFFIRM the ALJ’s finding that the scope of a Wage and Hour investigation initiated in response to an aggrieved party complaint is not limited to the allegations contained in that complaint. We also AFFIRM the ALJ’s evidentiary rulings and her ruling on the availability of pre- and post-judgment interest on awards in H-1B cases.  We REVERSE the ALJ’s finding that discrete violations occurring outside a twelve-month period prior to the filing of a complaint are actionable. Consequently, IT IS THEREFORE ORDERED that: 

1. Greater Missouri Medical Pro-Care Providers, Inc., shall pay back wages for benching violations to the following individuals in the specified amounts:

a. Karen Gay Bunanig $7,895.42
b. Perlas Dang-awan $17,369.92
c. Marjorie Ham $8,697.72
d. Hazel Mae H. Hofilena $15,790.83
e. Joshua E. Inventor $18,845.00
f. Angeles Mojica $13,060.30
g. Ian T. Regis $17,274.58
h. Caren Grace O. Uy $7,852.08

2. Greater Missouri Medical Pro-Care Providers, Inc., shall pay back wages for illegally deducting USCIS fees and attorney’s fees for H-1B extensions, to the following individuals in the specified amounts:

a. Rhandie Aloya $185.00
b. Alena Gay Arat $690.00
c. Euphill Juliette Aseniero $685.00
d. Aileen Bausa $685.00
e. Perlas Dang-awan $690.00
f. Estella Daraway $685.00
g. Rinna Daymiel $685.00
h. Ryan de los Reyes $685.00
i. Naomie del Mar $685.00
j. Michael Gonzales $185.00
k. Franklin Herrera $685.00
l. Joshua E. Inventor $185.00
m. Yvette L. Jakosalem $190.00
n. Michelle Lumapas $185.00
o. Kahlila Quidlat-Fowler $685.00
p. Jerome Satorre $185.00
q. Roselle Y. Solijon $185.00

3. Greater Missouri Medical Pro-Care Providers, Inc., shall pay back wages for illegally withholding final paychecks to the following individuals in the specified amounts:

a. Alena Gay Arat $1,964.59
b. Estella Daraway $4,166.68
c. Michael Gonzales $575.01
d. Kahlila Quidlat Fowler $1,577.95

SO ORDERED." - Matter of Greater Missouri Medical Pro-Care Providers, Inc., Jan. 29, 2014.