Kern County, California – In a significant turn of events, the US Department of Labor has successfully reclaimed $447,952 in unpaid wages and damages for 60 employees across three food stores in Kern County. This recovery comes after a federal investigation uncovered the illegal practices of an employer who failed to compensate their workers properly for overtime hours worked beyond the 40-hour workweek threshold.
The investigation, conducted by the Department’s Wage and Hour Division, revealed that the proprietors of Fiesta Market and Mi Rancho Market in McFarland, as well as Fiesta Market #2 in Lamont, unlawfully excluded affected employees from overtime pay eligibility. Consequently, they neglected to fulfill their legal obligation to compensate for these overtime hours, as mandated by law. Furthermore, the employer was found to be non-compliant with record-keeping requirements, further exacerbating the situation.
As a result of these egregious violations, the Division has successfully retrieved $223,976 in unpaid overtime wages, along with an equal sum in damages. Additionally, the Department has levied fines totaling $24,210, reflecting the intentional nature of the infractions committed.
This enforcement action underscores the Department of Labor’s unwavering commitment to upholding the provisions outlined in the Fair Labor Standards Act. By holding employers accountable for their actions and ensuring that workers receive the compensation they rightfully deserve, the Department strives to foster fair and equitable workplace practices across all industries.
The resolution of this case serves as a stark reminder to employers everywhere that disregarding labor laws will not go unnoticed or unpunished. Through rigorous enforcement efforts and collaboration with federal agencies, the Department of Labor remains steadfast in its pursuit of justice for American workers, ensuring they are treated with dignity and respect in the workplace.
