CALIFORNIA – The United States Department of Labor has achieved the impressive feat of recovering $305,977 in unpaid wages and compensations for 47 affected employees after discovering that the construction company Tejon Constructors Inc. failed to correctly pay its workers for their labor.
Investigators from the Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division found compelling evidence that Tejon Constructors Inc. did not adequately compensate its workers. The Palmdale-based company was found guilty of not paying for hours worked before and after shifts, as well as during employees’ commutes to and from the workplace.
Furthermore, it was determined that the company owners, Brian Smith, Timothy Costello, and Paul Delgado, did not maintain accurate records of their employees’ worked hours, a fundamental legal obligation. This negligence by the company’s leadership significantly contributed to the violation of labor laws.
Susan Bacon, Assistant District Director of the Wage and Hour Division in Los Angeles, emphasized the Department of Labor’s commitment to ensuring that workers receive fair compensation for their hard work. “Our investigators often uncover similar situations in the residential construction industry, where employers fail to meet basic labor standards,” she noted.
As a result of the Department of Labor’s actions, Tejon Constructors Inc. faces significant consequences. The company must now disburse $152,988 in unpaid wages, ensuring that workers receive every dollar owed to them.
In addition to wage recovery, Tejon Constructors Inc. is obligated to pay an equal amount in liquidated damages. This measure aims to compensate employees for the additional harm caused by the lack of timely payment.
The division imposed a substantial fine of $9,494 on Tejon Constructors due to their conscious disregard of federal regulations. This penalty seeks to deter future violations and ensure strict compliance with labor laws.
Founded in Bakersfield in 1983, Tejon Constructors Inc. is a prominent general contracting company now located in Palmdale. Specializing in water, sewer, storm drainage, and other infrastructure projects throughout Southern California, the company now faces the challenge of rectifying its labor practices and fully complying with established laws.
In summary, this case highlights the importance of labor compliance and the significant consequences faced by companies that do not adhere to regulations. The Department of Labor reaffirms its commitment to protecting workers’ rights and ensuring fair treatment in the workplace.
