After an investigation by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division (WHD), Boston Coffee Inc. – the operator of a Suwanee, Georgia, Dunkin’ location – has paid $1,040 in back wages after wrongly denying emergency paid sick leave to an employee who self-quarantined after receiving a coronavirus diagnosis.

WHD investigators found Boston Coffee Inc. violated requirements of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) by denying the paid sick leave. After WHD contacted the employer, they agreed to pay the back wages and comply with the FFCRA’s requirements in the future.

“The U.S. Department of Labor is protecting the American workforce during the coronavirus pandemic by ensuring employers comply with all of the requirements of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act,” said Wage and Hour Division District Director Steven Salazar, in Atlanta, Georgia. “The Wage and Hour Division encourages employers to use the multiple tools we offer to gain a clear understanding of their responsibilities under this new law, and avoid violations.”