Case Summary
**Case Summary: Stark Excavating, Inc. v. Thomas Perez**
**Docket Number:** 2860696
**Court:** United States Court of Appeals
**Date:** [Insert Date of Document or Decision]
**Background:**
Stark Excavating, Inc. (hereafter "Stark Excavating") initiated this case against Thomas Perez, who was the Secretary of Labor at the time of the proceedings. The dispute arose in the context of employment law, specifically regarding compliance with federal regulations governing labor practices and contractor obligations.
**Facts:**
Stark Excavating, a contractor engaged in excavation work, was subjected to an investigation by the Department of Labor (DOL). The investigation focused on the company's adherence to the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and other related employment laws. The DOL alleged that Stark Excavating failed to pay its employees the required wages, maintain accurate payroll records, and comply with various labor standards.
**Issues:**
1. Did Stark Excavating violate the provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act?
2. Were the penalties imposed by the DOL excessive and unwarranted based on the evidence presented?
**Arguments:**
- **For Stark Excavating:** The company argued that it had made reasonable efforts to comply with labor laws and disputed the findings of wage and record-keeping violations. Stark Excavating contended that the penalties levied by the DOL were disproportionate to the alleged infractions, particularly in light of their good faith efforts.
- **For Thomas Perez (DOL):** The DOL maintained that Stark Excavating’s failures were clear violations of the FLSA and that the penalties imposed were justified to deter future non-compliance and ensure fair labor practices.
**Decision:**
The appellate court reviewed the facts and evidence presented, including the scope of the DOL's findings and the appropriateness of the penalties imposed. The court's decision addressed both the legality of the DOL's actions and the interpretations of labor law as it applied to Stark Excavating.
**Conclusion:**
The outcome of Stark Excavating, Inc. v. Thomas Perez provided clarity on the enforcement of labor standards and the expectations placed upon contractors under federal law. The decision underscored the importance of compliance with labor regulations and the implications for contractors who fail to adhere to these requirements.
(Note: This summary is a hypothetical example, as specific facts of the case and the court decision are not provided. For accurate details on the case, please refer to the official court documents or legal databases.)