A restaurant in Southern California has been hit with a hefty fine of over $1.1 million due to wage theft and violations of sick leave laws. The California Labor Commissioner’s Office took action against Food Source LLC, located in Buena Park, after it was found that at least 90 workers were affected by these issues.
Among the violations, 73 employees were identified as being owed more than $532,000 in unpaid wages, overtime, and damages related to incomplete wage statements. This situation has raised serious concerns about the treatment of workers in the restaurant industry.
In addition to the fines, the Labor Commissioner’s Office has filed a lawsuit against the restaurant, seeking nearly $576,000 for unpaid wages and penalties linked to the failure to provide sick leave. The lawsuit highlights several key violations, including denying workers access to paid sick leave and failing to document sick leave availability on pay stubs. Notably, the restaurant did not provide supplemental paid sick leave during the COVID-19 pandemic, which has been a critical time for many workers.
According to California’s Healthy Workplace, Healthy Families Act of 2014, employees who work at least 30 days in a year are entitled to earn paid sick leave. This leave can be used for personal health issues or to care for family members. Employers are required to inform their workers about sick leave rights, keep track of accrued leave, and ensure employees can access it when needed.
This case shines a light on the importance of fair labor practices and the need for businesses to comply with state laws designed to protect workers. As the lawsuit unfolds, it serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges many workers face in securing their rights.