LOS ANGELES — Nearly 400 employees working for 35 Los Angeles-area car washes will receive a portion of the more than $1.3 million fine levied against their employers. In a recent investigation, the California Labor Commissioner’s Office found the car wash owners violated multiple state labor laws. Of the multiple labor law violations, the car wash owners were found to have denied some of their employees the wages they were owed, including minimum wage and overtime pay.
The Car Wash Situation
California labor law requires car washes and other businesses to register with the state, to carry workers’ compensation insurance, to maintain accurate wage and hours records, to provide employees with clear and accurate wage statements, and to pay employees at least minimum wage. Both state and federal labor laws require employers to pay nonexempt employees one and a half times their regular rate when they work more than 40 hours in a workweek. In this case, the car wash owners were found to have violated some if not all of these requirements.
California’s labor commission performed an enforcement sweep of car washes in the Los Angeles area in late February. During the sweep, 35 car wash owners had not registered with the state, which typically means wage violations are more likely. The labor commission will be conducting a more thorough investigation into some of the car wash owners. But, the initial sweep found that the employers failed to pay close to 400 employees for all of the hours they worked, minimum wage for those hours, and overtime pay. They were also found to have paid many of their employees in cash, which violates the state’s paycheck requirements.
Knowing Your Rights
The investigation into the car washes in California highlighted a need for employees to know their rights. Many of the employees at the car washes did not speak English or were unaware of their rights to minimum wage, overtime, and accurate wage statements and pay checks. Employers are required to post information posters which explain these rights in a conspicuous location, like break rooms or rest areas.
In many cases both state and federal wage and labor laws will apply to your employer. These laws include restrictions or requirements related to the hours you work, the wages you receive, and the information your employer must provide to you. If you believe your employer has failed to pay proper wages or overtime, or have questions about your rights as an employee, contact our overtime pay lawyers today. Time is limited for filing wage and overtime complaints so it is important to call today! Our experienced team of overtime pay lawyers can be reached at (855) 754-2795. Or complete our Free Unpaid Overtime Case Review form and our knowledgeable legal team will evaluate your case. If we accept your case, we will represent you under our No Fee Promise. This means there are no legal fees or costs unless you receive a settlement.