A U.S. Department of Labor Wage and Hour Division (USDOL) investigation found the owner of Taqueria El Molino on Oak Grove Rd. in Walnut Creek did not pay overtime to employees for hours over 40 in a workweek, a violation of the Fair Labor Standards Act. The employer willfully paid overtime hours worked at straight-time rates and in cash, according to the USDOL.
The division learned about this case following a call to the Employment, Education and Outreach helpline operated by Empleo at 877-555-AYUDA (877-555-29832). The organization is an alliance of government agencies, consulates and non-profit organizations dedicated to promoting labor rights awareness among immigrant communities across multiple states.
Back Wages recovered:
- $22,866 in overtime and minimum wages for 14 employees
- $22,866 in liquidated damages for 14 employees
Penalties assessed:
- $20,581 in civil money penalties for the willful nature of the violations.
8 comments
And the IRS will jump in now and take their cut.
It’s right above you.
“$20,581 in civil money penalties for the willful nature of the violations.”
The breadth of California’s overtime rules are kind of ridiculous, but the employer knew the rules, and chose to play by them.
So they got what they deserved.
Nope they will give a break and make life as easy as possible as they always do for the illegals
ILLEGALS OR JUST PLAIN DUMB.
I I worked for straight time 50 hours a week for five years. I complained all the time and they told me that I was a salaried employee yet I was being paid by the hour for everything past 40 hours. I’m not even sure how that was legal. I was working in California for a company based in Oregon. I’m glad this cheapskate got busted and has to pay his employees
I wonder how much the tax payer is out based on this. I cannot imagine it is easy for the owner of the taqueria to pay according to a Sacramento legislator’s idea of fair business. Curious how many hours he worked, without pay, to get the business started and to keep it going. If the restaurant closes, I guess we’ll know. Cannot wait to leave this backwards, tyrannical state.
Just caught that it was US Dept of Labor (too much wine). WTH is the US Dept of Labor involved in a local taqueria and the pay for a couple individuals? Holy cow, so much federal government control. King George III is probably laughing in his grave.
many businesses were guilty of this during covid..