28 Sep 2012

American Samoa government to pay almost $US1m in overtime compensation

5:30 pm on 28 September 2012

American Samoa's government is to pay more than 900,000 US dollars in overtime compensation to employees who were shortchanged in overtime pay in 2010 and 2011.

This follows an investigation by the US Department of Labor which found that the government hd not fully compensated employees for over time worked, under the Fair Labour Standards Act.

The total amount owed to the employees is 916,093 dollars and Governor Togiola Tulafono has submitted legislation to the Fono for funding to make the payments.

The number of employees affected is unclear but the biggest amount owed is for police officers who are to be paid close to 850,000 dollars.