New Hampshire Chimney Service Contractor Targets Employees, Pays Restitution

MANCHESTER, NH — A New Hampshire chimney services contractor has paid three employees to resolve federal worker violations.

In June 2021, an employee for Ceaser Chimney Service Inc. of Manchester was fired after they contacted the New Hampshire Department of Labor about labor law and worker rights. During an investigation by the U.S. Department of Labor, it was found the employer also unlawfully questioned other employees about their communications with the Wage and Hour Division. Federal law, though, prohibits employees from firing employees or discriminating against them for engaging in protected activity like filing complaints, being a witness for an investigation, or asking questions, Wage and Hour Division District Director Steven McKinney said.

“The U.S. Department of Labor takes allegations of employee retaliation very seriously,” he said. “Federal law protects workers’ ability to exercise their rights freely without fear of reprisals. These rights include the ability to contact the department and other agencies about the employer’s pay practices and to speak openly with investigators and other department officials during an investigation.”

Ceaser Chimney Service Inc., in a settlement with the federal government, paid more than $21,000 to the fired employee — including time paid while they were unemployed after being fired, front pay, and punitive damages. Two other employees were paid $2,500 each. The company also agreed not to discharge or discriminate against any employee if they filed a complaint or participated in a Fair Labor Standards Act investigation. Ceaser Chimney Service Inc. also agreed to provide current and future employees with written statements about their rights for five years.

McKinney said the division would continue to work to enforce worker protections “vigorously” and make sure employers know retaliating against employees “has costly consequences.” Anyone with any labor issues can contact the department at 866-4US-WAGE (487-9243) or visit the department’s website, linked here.

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