Riverside, California – Federal labor officials have recovered unpaid overtime wages for dozens of workers after a Riverside towing company failed to compensate its employees properly. The case highlights how easily wage violations can go unnoticed—and how crucial it is for California workers to be aware of their rights. As more employees step forward about missing overtime wages, this investigation serves as a reminder that legal protections exist to prevent exploitation.
What Investigators Found at the Riverside Towing Company
A recent investigation by the U.S. Department of Labor revealed that Quality Roadside Service Inc., operating as Liberty Towing Inc. in Riverside, failed to pay lawful overtime wages to 32 employees.
According to federal findings, the company compensated workers at straight-time rates even when they worked more than 40 hours per week, violating the Fair Labor Standards Act. Investigators also discovered incomplete and inaccurate time records, resulting in additional violations of record-keeping requirements.
Following the review, the agency recovered $218,983 in back wages for affected employees and imposed a civil money penalty of $11,264 due to the willful nature of the violations. Officials emphasized that employers must comply with wage laws or face significant consequences.
Your Legal Protections for Overtime Wages
California and federal law provide strong protections to ensure employees receive the overtime wages they earn. When an employer pays straight-time for overtime hours, alters time sheets, or fails to maintain accurate work records, workers may be entitled to compensation and legal remedies.
Key points include:
- California Labor Code requires overtime pay after 8 hours in a workday and 40 hours in a workweek.
- FLSA violations occur when employers fail to pay time-and-a-half or double time when applicable.
- Workers can recover back pay, penalties, and interest through legal action.
- Inaccurate or missing time records do not prevent employees from pursuing claims.
- Retaliation for reporting unpaid overtime is prohibited under state and federal law.
Protect Your Rights – Consult an Employment Lawyer
If you believe your employer has denied you overtime wages, underpaid you, or failed to keep accurate records of your hours, you do not have to handle it alone. Our Riverside employment lawyer can evaluate your situation, explain your rights, and assist you in pursuing the compensation you may be entitled to.
Contact us today for a free, confidential consultation. We’re here to protect California workers and ensure you receive every dollar you’ve earned.
