A former employee has taken legal action against a New York-based painting company, alleging significant wage violations. On February 4, 2026, Manuel Barreto filed a complaint in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York against Dukes Interior Painting Corp., Duke’s Interior Painting of NY, Inc., and individuals Visare Krasniqi and Jetmir Shala.
Barreto’s lawsuit accuses his former employers of failing to pay him overtime wages as mandated by the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and New York Labor Law (NYLL). According to the complaint, Barreto worked as a non-exempt painter from March 19, 2023, through November 15, 2025. During this period, he was allegedly paid a flat daily rate that did not account for overtime hours despite regularly working over 40 hours per week. The complaint details that Barreto was compensated $200 per day in 2023 and part of 2024, increasing to $230 per day thereafter. However, his effective hourly rate ranged from $25 to $28.75 due to the extended hours worked.
The plaintiff asserts that the defendants failed to provide proper wage notices and accurate wage statements as required by law. This alleged oversight is said to have deprived Barreto of statutory protections designed to ensure fair compensation practices. The complaint highlights that these failures are not isolated incidents but part of a broader pattern affecting other employees similarly situated within the company.
Barreto seeks recovery of unpaid overtime wages totaling $61,187.50 along with an equal amount in liquidated damages for willful violations. Additionally, he demands statutory damages for improper wage notices and statements under NYLL provisions amounting to $10,000 combined. The plaintiff also requests pre-judgment and post-judgment interest on these amounts alongside reasonable attorneys’ fees and costs.
In addition to monetary compensation, Barreto is seeking injunctive relief aimed at preventing future violations by requiring compliance with federal and state labor laws concerning wage notice and recordkeeping requirements. The lawsuit underscores the need for Dukes Interior Painting Corp., its affiliates, and their principals to maintain accurate payroll records while adhering strictly to established labor standards.
Represented by Lina Stillman of Stillman Legal P.C., Barreto’s case has been assigned Case ID 1:26-cv-01015 in front of judges at the Southern District Court of New York.
Source: 126cv01015_Manuel_Barreto_v_Dukes_Interior_Complaint_Southern_District_of_New_York.pdf
