Bay Area, California – A federal investigation into labor violations has resulted in the recovery of more than $469,000 in back wages and damages in a recent case of improper payment practices at a well-known Northern California restaurant chain. The payment practices of the restaurant chain denied 114 workers their fully earned wages across five Bay Area locations.
The U.S. Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division found that Suleiman Fakhouri & Sons, the operator of Crepevine, failed to comply with key labor regulations, resulting in a series of serious violations of the labor rights of its employees at multiple locations.
In addition to recovering $234,636 in back wages and an equal amount in settled damages, the department has imposed a cash penalty of $82,706 due to the intentional nature of the employer’s violations.
Since its establishment in 1992, Suleiman Fakhouri & Sons has been responsible for operating several Crepevine restaurants in the Bay Area. Despite this setback, the company has maintained multiple locations in the Bay Area, providing culinary services to diverse communities.
Investigators have outlined a series of violations committed by Suleiman Fakhouri & Sons, including:
- Combined Hours Worked: The company did not combine hours worked by employees at multiple locations, resulting in inaccurate compensation.
- Overtime Pay: Overtime worked was not paid in accordance with current regulations, as it was paid at straight-time rates instead of time and a half.
- Inadequate Record Keeping: The employer did not maintain proper records of cash payments for overtime hours in its payroll records, leading to a lack of transparency and accountability.
- Child Labor Violations: Minors were found to have been assigned to work during hours not permitted by federal child labor laws, exceeding the limits set for hours and work schedules.
Susana Blanco, the district director of the Wage and Hour Division, emphasized the importance of employer accountability in ensuring that workers receive fair compensation and that their labor rights are respected at all times.
Have your labor rights been violated in California? You have the right to justice! Do not let abusive employers continue to carry out unfair labor practices, raise your voice.
Labor Law Advocates is a law firm specializing in California labor laws that fights for equality and fair treatment in the workplace. With decades of experience in labor law, we are dedicated to advocating for victims of violations and unfair labor practices in California to obtain the compensation and fair treatment they deserve.
Call us today for a free consultation and find out if you have a case.
