Sacramento, California – Last week, federal agents conducted raids at three Viva supermarkets in Sacramento, along with searches at Sean Loloee’s residence in Hagginwood, his wife’s house in Granite Bay, and his office in Natomas.
The raid is believed to be linked to allegations of salary withholdings and other labor violations brought to light in a report from about four years ago.
Loloee, who represents North Sacramento on the City Council, is facing federal charges for reportedly forcing his employees to work and threatening to deport those who cooperate with authorities.
In 2020, Vanguard first reported on labor abuse allegations against Loloee, including claims of “human trafficking,” which emerged during Loloee’s initial campaign. Labor leaders described Loloee’s treatment of employees as “forced labor,” with reports of workweeks extending up to 100 hours without proper compensation or labor benefits.
Plaintiffs in the collective lawsuit cited labor violations such as unpaid overtime, disruptions in break times, uniform-related salary deductions, and other unfair business practices, as per the California Labor Code and the Industrial Commission’s Wage Orders.
Furthermore, U.S. Department of Labor officials have accused Loloee of threatening workers by reporting them to immigration authorities regarding their legal status in the United States.
According to the Sacramento Bee, the lawsuit includes allegations dating back to 2009, ranging from inadequate wages to the employment of minors in hazardous jobs and interference in federal investigations.
Despite the recent raids, Loloee has stated that he will not seek re-election in 2024 and has refused to resign from his position at this time. In response to the allegations, Loloee has denied withholding the documentation requested by authorities and has refuted the claims of labor violations.
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Together, let’s put an end to unfair labor practices and fight to uphold the labor rights of Californians. We are available 24/7 to assist you. Call us today.
