Workers win in minimum wage fight with Momentum Marketing

A local marketing companyaccused of intimidating workers has paid thousands in back wages to its employees.

Manitoba Employment Standards collected $12,400 in wages for seven former employees in minimum wage, overtime and general holiday pay.

The branch orderedMomentum Marketing to payAndy Hall almost $2,800 in back wages at the end of April. The office confirms they've received the moneyfrom the company.

• Winnipeg marketing company accused of intimidating workers

• Marketing company faces complaints over treatment of workers

• Company raises money for charities without permission

The office investigated Hall's earningsand determined he wasn't paid minimum wage contrary to the Employment Standards Code. Hall sold toys for three months during the holidays in grocery stores last year.

Company under fire

The marketing companyhas been under fire for fundraising for charities without their permission. Several employees complained to the province about long hours and low wages.

Investigation records show Hall's hourly wage was,on average,just $6.80an hour, which is far below the legalminimum wage of $10.70an hour.Healso worked 89hours of overtime that the company shorted him on. Hallwasn't paid vacation pay either.

"The decision helps me move on," Hall said. "I believe my work is worth my time."

The firm also faced allegations of intimidation after a video emerged of a team leader berating employees.

"Its been brought to our attention that there's some nasty s--t going on around this office," said LarryBeauchamp, a then-team leader.

A former employee recordedBeauchampduring a staff meeting in December 2014 after several employees complained to Employment Standards.

"So, this crap about the f--king Labour Board? ...I want this gone, dead, finished ... we are not taking this lightly. We have had enough," he said.

It's not clear whether thefirm is still operating in the province. Thewebsiteis suspended and theKeewatinoffice where they once operated appears to be closed.

"If you are being intimidated at your work, head to the Labour Board right away," Hall said, adding the decision sends a good message to other workers in the province."That type of work,you deserve to be paid at least minimum wage.

"Momentum Marketing takes the position that its salespeople are independent contractors, not employees," a previousemailfrom owner, BrandonFarr,stated.

Calls andemailstoFarrhave not been returned.