DOL Seeks Back Wages for Airport Security Hired After 9/11

"It is appalling that thousands of Americans who answered the call to become airport security personnel in the aftermath of the devastating attacks on 9/11 were not paid all the wages they were due," said Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao. "We will aggressively pursue justice in this case."

The St. Louis-based contractor provided airport security services at 39 airports around the country in 2002. The company refused to pay the back wages and the department filed a complaint March 14 asking the court to order the company to pay their employees.

Huntleigh was hired to provide security services after the events of Sept. 11, 2001, until the Transportation Security Administration took over the responsibility using federal employees.

Under the Service Contract Act, contractors on federal service contracts in excess of $2,500 must pay their service workers no less than the wages and fringe benefits the Labor Department has determined for each service occupation. Employers must also maintain accurate records of employees' wages, hours and other conditions of employment.