A former employee has filed a lawsuit against Roadwork Ahead Inc., Staci General Contracting LLC, LS Group Construction Inc., and Luigi Stasi. Plaintiff Fernando Rufino claims that these entities failed to pay overtime wages and neglected to provide proper wage statements and notices as required by law.
The case revolves around Rufino's employment from November 2016 to May 7, 2024, where he worked primarily as a welder, mechanic, load operator, and maintenance worker under the direct supervision of Luigi Stasi. According to the complaint, despite working over 40 hours weekly, Rufino was compensated at a flat rate of $20 per hour without receiving the legally mandated overtime pay. "Defendants deliberately and systematically compensated Plaintiff at a base rate... while willfully failing to pay the mandatory overtime premium," states the filing. This practice allegedly extended beyond Rufino to other employees similarly situated.
Rufino accuses the defendants of violating several labor laws, including the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and New York Labor Law (NYLL), specifically citing breaches related to unpaid overtime wages and failure to maintain accurate records. The complaint highlights that these actions were not only systematic but also intentional and in bad faith. Moreover, it points out that Stasi had significant control over Rufino's work conditions and compensation structure. As a result of these alleged violations, Rufino claims he suffered financial harm amounting to approximately $62,400 in unpaid wages alone.
Rufino demands compensatory damages for unpaid wages alongside liquidated damages for statutory violations under both federal and state laws. Additionally, he seeks pre-judgment and post-judgment interest along with attorney fees. The plaintiff also requests certification of this action as a collective one on behalf of all similarly affected employees.
The plaintiff is represented by attorney Lina Stillman of Stillman Legal PC based in New York City. The case was filed in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York under Case No. 2:25-cv-00928.