How to report an employer that pays employees $2.50 an hour? Michigan

[hello1234]

How to report an employer that pays employees $2.50 an hour?

I know someone that works for a small business that pays his employees $2.50 an hour under the table. He makes them sign a contract that makes them interns with a small pay bonus. Hes been doing it for 4 years now.

[Pattymd]

The affected individuals could file a wage claim. May work, may not. Bona fide "internships" have pretty strict rules.

Of course, I'm assuming that this employer is subject to either the FLSA or the state minimum wage laws. What type of business and what do these "interns" do?

[hello1234]

Its a computer sales and repair shop. The "interns" do everything from fixing computers to helping customers and answering phones. They pretty much run the business since the owner is never there.

I found an email address at a Michigan labor laws website and I sent them an email. Someone replied and told me that nothing can be done unless one of his workers files a written complaint.

They cant do anything about this?

Im sure he makes these people think the contract is legal. He possibly even threatens them not to say anything.

[Betty3]

Someone replied and told me that nothing can be done unless one of his workers files a written complaint.

They need to file a written complaint as you were told.