Workers accuse Mohawk of wage controls

ROME - Three former workers and a current employee at Mohawk Industries have filed a federal lawsuit accusing the carpet manufacturer of keeping wages down by hiring illegal immigrants. <br> <br> The lawsuit filed yesterday in U.S. District Court in Rome claims that the company recruits the employees and accepts identity documents it knows to be fraudulent. It claims a pattern of illegal activity that violates the federal Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations statute. <br> <br> Mohawk, headquartered in Calhoun, is the nation&#39;s second largest carpet manufacturer. It employs almost 32,000 workers and reported $4.5 billion in revenue last year. <br> <br> The company&#39;s general counsel, Sal Perillo, called the allegations ``preposterous.&#39;&#39; He said Mohawk will vigorously defend itself.