California Sets Precedent: No More Hiding Behind Bogus PEOs – Workers Rights Compliance, Precedent Set: Employers Can’t Outsource Accountability – Workers Rights Compliance, DLSE Draws the Line: Fraudulent PEO Coverage Doesn’t Cut It – Workers Rights Compliance, New Legal Benchmark: PEO Schemes Won’t Shield Employers – Workers Rights Compliance, Garcias Pallets Case Becomes First-Ever DLSE Precedent – Workers Rights Compliance, Historic First: California Labor Commissioner Issues Precedent Ruling on PEO Fraud – Workers Rights Compliance, DLSE Makes It Official—No Valid Workers’ Comp, No Excuses – Workers Rights Compliance, Real Coverage for Real Workers: Fraud Won’t Fly in California – Workers Rights Compliance, Workers Deserve Real Protection—Bogus Insurance Doesn’t Count – Workers Rights Compliance, Precedent Protects Workers from Fake Insurance Scams – Workers Rights Compliance, 50+ Workers, No Coverage—California Says Never Again – Workers Rights Compliance, Labor Law Victory: Worker Safety Over Corporate Shell Games – Workers Rights Compliance, $1.3M Lesson: Ignorance of the Law Is No Defense – Workers Rights Compliance, Certificates Can Lie—Employers Are Still on the Hook – Workers Rights Compliance, Fraudulent Coverage = Real Fines – Workers Rights Compliance, The Bill Comes Due: $1.3M in Fines for Workers' Comp Evasion – Workers Rights Compliance, Subcontracting Liability Doesn’t Mean Subcontracting Responsibility – Workers Rights Compliance, A Win for Honest PEOs, a Loss for Cheaters – Workers Rights Compliance, Leveling the Field: Fraudulent Operators Face Real Consequences – Workers Rights Compliance, PEO Accountability Is Here—Honest Brokers Applaud – Workers Rights Compliance, No More Free Ride for Fraudulent PEOs – Workers Rights Compliance, Justice for Legitimate Employers—Fraudsters Pay the Price – Workers Rights Compliance, From CompOne to CompassPilot—The Shell Game Ends Here – Workers Rights Compliance, How a Bogus Insurance Scheme Cost One Company $1.3 Million – Workers Rights Compliance, Unmasking the PEO Scam: California Cracks Down – Workers Rights Compliance, One Employer, Three PEOs, Zero Coverage—The Precedent Tells All – Workers Rights Compliance, DLSE Precedent Highlights Deep Industry Scams – Workers Rights Compliance, Fake Insurance Certificates Are Not a Defense—They’re a Liability – Workers Rights Compliance, Employers: Verify Your Workers’ Comp Coverage—Before the State Does – Workers Rights Compliance, Don’t Get Burned—Understand Joint Employer Liability Today – Workers Rights Compliance, Legit PEO? Or Just a New Name for the Same Old Scam? – Workers Rights Compliance, Your PEO’s Certificate Might Be Fake—Know the Signs – Workers Rights Compliance, Before You Contract Labor, Read This Precedent Decision – Workers Rights Compliance.
California Workers’ Rights Daily Digest – October 20, 2025
Welcome to today’s briefing on workers’ rights in California, highlighting protections for low-wage sectors like agriculture, warehousing, and construction. Sourced from official and advocacy channels, we feature timely safety reaffirmations and funding boosts.
Recent Developments
Farmworker Safety and Wage Protections: During National Farm Safety and Health Week, state agencies spotlighted Senate Bill 846, signed in July and effective January 1, 2026, which updates a 50-year-old lien statute to let agricultural workers secure up to two weeks of unpaid wages without prior restrictions on farm ownership types. This combats wage theft in ag by simplifying recovery processes.
Rural Outreach Expansion: The Rural Strategic Engagement Plan (RSEP), funded with $30 million over three years, recently held its first cross-training session in September for over 200 staff, enhancing coordination for farmworker services like enforcement and referrals. Seven organizations now host community clinics for direct access.
Apprenticeship Investments: $30 million awarded in October to 70 programs supports over 11,000 apprentices in sectors like education and manufacturing, offering paid training pathways for low-wage workers transitioning to stable roles, such as early care apprenticeships for economically disadvantaged groups.
Enforcement Actions
Heat Safety Advisory: Amid forecasts of 90°F+ temperatures, Cal/OSHA issued a September advisory enforcing heat prevention standards, with high-heat protocols (e.g., employee monitoring) mandatory at 95°F for agriculture and construction to prevent illnesses in outdoor labor.
Tips and Resources for Workers
Heat Hazard Prevention: In agriculture or construction, demand shade at 80°F+, cool-down breaks, and training; indoor warehousing requires similar at 82°F. Join the Heat Illness Prevention Network for updates via HIPNetwork@dir.ca.gov.
Farmworker Education Tools: Access the multilingual Campo Seguro site through the SAFE Program for safety trainings and rights info; it has reached 1.4 million since 2020, including indigenous communities.
Career Training Funds: Explore $26 million in EDD/ETP grants for farmworker skill-building toward higher wages and union pathways.
Keep advocating—resources at dir.ca.gov and labor.ca.gov. See you tomorrow!
Welcome to the daily roundup of wage theft violations and labor law enforcement actions from the California Department of Industrial Relations (DIR). This post highlights recent citations issued by the Labor Commissioner’s Office, focusing on efforts to combat wage theft. No new press releases were issued today, but below are summaries of the most recent cases from the past month. These actions underscore ongoing efforts to protect workers and hold employers accountable.
Recent Violations
September 4, 2025: L.A. Restaurant Cited Over $680,000 for Wage Theft Affecting 48 Workers
The Labor Commissioner’s Office BOFE Unit cited J BBQ, a Koreatown restaurant operated by Midri, Inc. and owner Byung Kwan Lee, for multiple violations including unpaid wages, denied meal and rest breaks, inaccurate wage statements, and failure to pay split shift premiums. The investigation, initiated by a referral from the Koreatown Immigrant Workers Alliance, revealed that workers were often required to stay on premises during breaks. Total citations amount to $680,238, with $538,638 payable directly to the affected workers.Daily California Wage Theft Violations Update – September 15, 2025
Welcome to the daily roundup of wage theft violations and labor law enforcement actions from the California Department of Industrial Relations (DIR). This post highlights recent citations issued by the Labor Commissioner’s Office, focusing on efforts to combat wage theft. No new press releases were issued today, but below are summaries of the most recent cases from the past month. These actions underscore ongoing efforts to protect workers and hold employers accountable.
Recent Violations
September 4, 2025: L.A. Restaurant Cited Over $680,000 for Wage Theft Affecting 48 Workers
The Labor Commissioner’s Office BOFE Unit cited J BBQ, a Koreatown restaurant operated by Midri, Inc. and owner Byung Kwan Lee, for multiple violations including unpaid wages, denied meal and rest breaks, inaccurate wage statements, and failure to pay split shift premiums. The investigation, initiated by a referral from the Koreatown Immigrant Workers Alliance, revealed that workers were often required to stay on premises during breaks. Total citations amount to $680,238, with $538,638 payable directly to the affected workers.
Quote from Labor Commissioner Lilia García-Brower: “Restaurant workers are often at risk of wage theft, especially when employers ignore laws around pay practices and required break periods. These citations reflect our continued efforts to hold employers accountable and ensure that workers receive the full wages and protections they are legally entitled to regardless of immigration status.”
August 21, 2025: L.A. Developers Cited $2.3 Million for Wage Theft at Construction Sites Affecting 124 Workers
The BOFE unit issued citations totaling $2,345,384 to developers including Todd Wexman, Bridget Wexman, Jeffrey Farrington, and entities like San Fernando Studios LP for denying overtime, paying below minimum wage, failing to provide sick leave, and issuing inaccurate wage statements. Workers received multiple pay stubs from different entities to evade overtime laws. The violations occurred at four sites in Los Angeles, with an average of $18,900 owed per worker, including over $165,000 in interest.
The investigation highlighted a scheme to avoid labor laws through corporate entities. BOFE has recovered over $43.7 million in stolen wages since January 2022.
July 16, 2025: Ritz-Carlton and Subcontractors Cited Over $2 Million for Misclassifying 155 Janitors
The Labor Commissioner’s Office cited the Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company LLC and subcontractors Empire Unistar Management Inc., TK Service, and JM Spa Group for misclassifying janitors as independent contractors, denying them minimum wage, overtime, sick leave, and workers’ compensation. The violations spanned from July 2021 to January 2024 at the Half Moon Bay hotel. Total citations exceed $2 million, with $1.9 million payable to workers; joint liability of $746,001 applies if subcontractors fail to pay.
Quote from Labor Commissioner Lilia García-Brower: “We’ve seen this pattern before, employers hire or contract with out-of-state janitorial companies, thinking they can sidestep California labor laws. The use of subcontracting to evade legal obligations is a long-standing practice in this industry and we will pursue such cases aggressively.”
If you’re a worker experiencing wage theft or labor violations, contact the Labor Commissioner’s Office at 1-833-LCO-INFO (833-526-4636) for assistance in multiple languages.
Employers seeking guidance on compliance can email MakeItFair@dir.ca.gov.
Stay updated by following the Labor Commissioner on Facebook and X (Twitter).
This blog is generated based on publicly available DIR news releases. Check back tomorrow for updates!
Posted on September 13, 2025, by Workers Rights Compliance Alliance (WRCA)
In the bustling economy of California, where industries like hospitality, construction, and fast food thrive, wage theft remains a persistent and devastating issue. Thousands of workers—often from vulnerable communities—face unpaid wages, denied breaks, and misclassification that strips them of rightful earnings and protections. At the Workers Rights Compliance Alliance (WRCA), we’re dedicated to shining a light on these injustices and empowering workers and employers alike to ensure compliance with labor laws. By joining our organization today at workersrightscompliancealliance.com, you’ll stay informed on the latest developments, receive expert guidance, and become part of a community fighting for fair workplaces. Don’t miss out—join WRCA now to get updates on workers’ rights and compliance strategies straight to your inbox!
In this blog post, we’ll dive into real stories from 2025 that highlight the human cost of wage violations. These cases, drawn from official enforcement actions by the California Labor Commissioner’s Office (LCO), underscore why staying vigilant is crucial. As a member of WRCA, you’ll have access to resources like webinars, compliance checklists, and alerts on emerging trends, helping you navigate these challenges effectively.
1. The Koreatown Restaurant Saga: Overworked and Underpaid at J BBQ
Imagine clocking in for a grueling shift at a popular Koreatown eatery, only to be denied basic breaks and forced into split shifts without extra pay. This was the reality for 48 workers at J BBQ, operated by Midri, Inc. and owner Byung Kwan Lee. On September 4, 2025, the LCO issued citations totaling over $680,000 for wage theft, including unpaid wages, denied meal and rest breaks, and inaccurate wage statements. Workers were often kept on-site during “lunch” to handle customers, violating California labor laws designed to protect their well-being.
The breakdown? $538,638 goes directly back to the workers, a hard-won victory referred by the Koreatown Immigrant Workers Alliance. Labor Commissioner Lilia García-Brower emphasized the risks restaurant workers face, stating, “These citations reflect our continued efforts to hold employers accountable.” Stories like this reveal how wage theft erodes trust and livelihoods, leading to financial strain and health issues for employees.
At WRCA, we believe knowledge is power. By joining our organization, you’ll receive timely updates on similar cases, plus tools to audit your own workplace or business for compliance. Sign up now at workersrightscompliancealliance.com and be the first to know about new enforcement actions—empowering you to advocate for change.
2. A Multimillion-Dollar Verdict: Justice for Two Brave Workers in San Francisco
On September 5, 2025, a San Francisco jury delivered a resounding $8.5 million verdict in favor of plaintiffs Marianne Ramirez and Wendy (last name withheld) in a wage-and-hour lawsuit. The case, presided over by Judge Andrew Y. S. Cheng, stemmed from violations dating back to May 2024, including unpaid overtime, denied meal and rest breaks, inaccurate wage statements, waiting time penalties, and potential employee misclassification.
The jury’s decision highlighted skepticism toward the employer’s defenses and a desire to deter future wrongdoing. While specific employer details remain private, this verdict sends a clear message: workers can fight back and win. For the plaintiffs, it meant reclaiming lost earnings amid rising living costs, but for many others, such battles are daunting without support.
That’s where WRCA comes in. As a member, you’ll gain access to legal resources, case studies, and networking opportunities to stay ahead of wage disputes. Join our growing alliance today at workersrightscompliancealliance.com and ensure you’re always updated on landmark rulings that could impact your rights or business.
3. Construction Site Schemes: $2.3 Million in Citations for L.A. Developers
In August 2025, the LCO targeted a web of Los Angeles developers and entities with over $2.3 million in citations for wage theft at four construction sites, affecting 124 workers from May 2021 to August 2023. Violations included skipping overtime pay despite exhausting hours, paying below the local minimum wage, denying sick leave (even during the pandemic), and issuing misleading wage statements. The scheme used multiple entities to dodge rules, with workers reporting to the same bosses across sites.
Affected employees—framing, tiling, painting, and plumbing—were owed $2.1 million in unpaid wages and damages, plus $165,000 in interest, averaging $18,900 per person. Key parties: Todd Wexman, Bridget Wexman, Jeffrey Farrington, and companies like San Fernando Studios LP/LLC. García-Brower called out these “corporate shell games.” This case exposes how construction’s high-risk environment compounds with wage issues, leaving workers vulnerable to exploitation.
WRCA is your ally in combating such practices. By joining us at workersrightscompliancealliance.com, you’ll get exclusive insights into industry-specific compliance, training sessions, and alerts on BOFE investigations—keeping you informed and protected.
4. Hospitality’s Hidden Exploitation: Ritz-Carlton and Subcontractors Fined $2 Million
July 2025 brought scrutiny to the Ritz-Carlton Half Moon Bay, where the LCO cited the hotel and three out-of-state janitorial subcontractors for misclassifying 155 janitors as independent contractors from July 2021 to January 2024. This denied them minimum wage, overtime, sick leave, and workers’ compensation—core protections under California law.
Citations totaled $1.9 million payable to workers, with joint liability if subcontractors default. Referred by the San Mateo County DA after a worker’s tip to nonprofit Coastside Hope, it highlights subcontracting pitfalls. Janitors, often working invisibly, faced grueling conditions without fair pay, amplifying inequality in luxury hospitality.
Stay ahead with WRCA’s expert resources. Join our organization now at workersrightscompliancealliance.com for updates on misclassification risks and how to ensure compliance in your sector.
5. Fast Food’s Rising Crisis: A Study on Systemic Wage Theft
A February 2025 study from Northwestern and Rutgers Universities revealed that 25% of Greater L.A. fast food workers were paid below minimum wage in 2024—up dramatically from 3% in 2009. This costs workers $44 million yearly, with average losses of $3,479 per person. Tied to wage hikes (up to $20/hour in 2025 for fast food), violations include underpayment, denied breaks, and retaliation fears among immigrant and youth workers.
The report warns of skipped meals and evictions for victims, calling for stronger enforcement amid low unionization. As 2025 unfolds, similar patterns persist, affecting service industries statewide.
At WRCA, we’re committed to education and advocacy. By joining us at workersrightscompliancealliance.com, you’ll receive reports like this, plus actionable advice to prevent or address wage theft—ensuring a fairer future for all.
Why Join WRCA Today?
These stories aren’t isolated—they’re part of a statewide epidemic where nearly 19,000 claims alleged $338 million in stolen wages last year. With delays in enforcement and proposed reforms in June 2025 aiming to boost accountability, staying informed is key. WRCA offers newsletters, workshops, and a network of experts to keep you updated on workers’ rights compliance.
Don’t wait for the next violation to hit close to home. Join the Workers Rights Compliance Alliance today at workersrightscompliancealliance.com and be part of the solution. Together, we can build compliant, equitable workplaces.
Follow us on social media for more stories and tips. #WorkersRights #WageTheft #JoinWRCA
When a video of a single mother running an entire Burger King shift by herself went viral, the internet rallied in support. Here was a woman, balancing motherhood with back-breaking work, keeping an entire restaurant afloat alone. Yet instead of recognition, she was fired. Her story exposes the painful truth faced by millions of American workers: dedication doesn’t guarantee dignity.
The Problem
The fast-food industry has long relied on underpaid and overworked employees. Hamilton’s story is not unique—many workers are asked to carry unreasonable workloads with little support. When they push back or fall short due to family responsibilities, employers often punish rather than protect them. For working parents, especially single mothers, this creates an impossible cycle: work long hours to provide for your kids, but lose your job if childcare interferes.
Legal Context
Federal labor law requires safe and reasonable working conditions, and some states—including California—have stronger protections for parents. Yet loopholes abound. Employers often cite “attendance” or “policy violations” to cover up retaliation, leaving workers vulnerable. In Hamilton’s case, the company policy prohibited employees from working alone—yet enforcement only came after she went viral. This contradiction exposes how policies are selectively applied, usually to the worker’s detriment.
In California, recent cases involving retaliation against caregivers show courts beginning to side with employees. But nationally, protections remain patchy. Without strong advocacy and enforcement, more parents will face the same cruel choice: job or family.
Worker Impact
Hamilton’s words resonate with so many: “My kids come first… y’all don’t pay for no babysitter.” Millions of parents are forced into the same trade-off. Low wages don’t cover childcare, yet missing work risks termination. The result? Burnout, poverty, and broken families—all while billion-dollar corporations profit.
Her viral video made her a symbol of resilience, but the firing revealed the fragility of worker protections in industries built on exploitation.
Call to Action
Stories like Hamilton’s are why the Workers Rights Compliance Alliance (WRCA) exists. Workers should never be punished for protecting their families. By joining WRCA, you can help hold corporations accountable, demand fair scheduling, and push for laws that prioritize human dignity.
No parent should have to choose between their job and their children. Stand with us—because workers deserve better.
Oakland— The California Labor Commissioner’s Office (LCO) is awarding $8.55 million in Workers’ Rights Enforcement grants to 16 prosecutors’ offices across the state. Now in its second year, this first-of-its-kind grant program supports local efforts to combat wage theft and other labor violations by providing critical funding to hold lawbreaking employers accountable.
With this funding, local prosecutors can strengthen and expand their capacity to investigate wage theft, build specialized enforcement units, and increase prosecutions against employers who break the law.
What California Labor Commissioner Lilia García-Brower said: “Wage theft is a serious crime that devastates working families and weakens California’s economy. I am proud to announce an additional $8.55 million in grant funding to continue advancing our critical work in holding perpetrators accountable through increased prosecutions for wage theft. We remain firmly committed to partnering with community organizations, industry leaders, and public prosecutors to end these abusive practices. Workers deserve every dollar they’ve rightfully earned, and law-abiding employers deserve a level playing field.”
Demand remained high this year, with local prosecutors requesting more than $10.7 million in total funding. While only $8.55 million was available, the strong interest reflects a growing commitment among local offices to take an active role in protecting workers and holding employers accountable.
Each office was eligible to apply for up to $750,000 in competitive grant funding. Grant funds are restricted to personnel and audit-related costs to ensure resources are specifically directed toward wage theft enforcement efforts.
The 16 public prosecutors who applied for the grant will receive awards as detailed below:
Public Prosecutor
Award
Alameda District Attorney
$750,000
Contra Costa District Attorney
$360,000
Fresno City Attorney
$750,000
Long Beach City Prosecutor
$250,000
Los Angeles City Attorney
$400,000
Los Angeles County Counsel
$250,000
Los Angeles District Attorney
$750,000
Oakland City Attorney
$630,269
Orange County District Attorney
$700,000
San Diego City Attorney
$400,000
San Diego District Attorney
$750,000
San Francisco City Attorney
$600,000
San Francisco District Attorney
$233,256
San Mateo District Attorney
$750,000
Santa Clara County Counsel
$750,000
Sonoma District Attorney
$226,475
“I thank the California Labor Commissioner’s Office for providing additional resources that bolster our fight against worker exploitation, enhance partnerships, and forge new county-wide alliances to uncover wage theft across San Mateo County’s major industries,” said San Mateo County District Attorney Stephen Wagstaffe. “We have uncovered hundreds of thousands of dollars in stolen wages, filed criminal charges, launched several investigations, and built a strong network of community partners who ensure every victim’s story reaches our team. With this momentum, we are relentlessly pursuing every dollar owed and sending an unmistakable message: in San Mateo County, stealing from workers will cost you far more than you ever saved.”
“The Workers’ Rights Enforcement Grant has been essential in empowering our city to investigate and prosecute wage theft in Fresno,” said Fresno City Attorney Andrew Janz. “With this grant funding, we’ve established a dedicated prosecution unit within the City Attorney’s Office focused on holding violators accountable. We want our residents to know that we will not tolerate bad actors stealing from hardworking people.”
Established in 2023 with $18 million in funding over two years, the Workers’ Rights Enforcement Grant Program provides competitive funding to support state labor law enforcement and assist workers in combating wage theft, preventing unfair competition and protecting state revenue. Today’s announcement marks the second round of grant funding, following the initial $8.55 million awarded in 2024. Additional information on the Workers’ Rights Enforcement Grant Program is posted online.
About the Labor Commissioner’s Office
Within the Department of Industrial Relations, the Division of Labor Standards Enforcement (California Labor Commissioner’s Office) combats wage theft and unfair competition by investigating allegations of illegal and unfair business practices.
In 2020, LCO launched a multi-pronged outreach campaign, Reaching Every Californian. The campaign amplifies basic protections and builds pathways to affected populations, so workers and employers understand legal protections and obligations, as well as the Labor Commissioner’s enforcement procedures.
Home Care Workers Are Being Exploited—Now’s the Time to Fight Back
Every day in California, home care workers—mostly immigrant women—quietly perform some of the hardest and most vital labor in our state. They care for our elderly, our disabled, and our most vulnerable. And yet, many of these workers are underpaid, overworked, and unlawfully denied their rights.
🚨 Real Cases. Real Exploitation.
Sacramento Region (2024): The California Labor Commissioner fined four residential care providers $860,000 for wage theft and illegal labor practices affecting 58 home care workers. These companies failed to pay minimum wage, overtime, and denied lawful meal and rest breaks.
Los Angeles County: Employers forced home care workers to work 24-hour shifts while only paying them for a fraction of that time—violating California labor law and robbing workers of sleep, health, and dignity.
Statewide Pattern: Many agencies misclassify home care workers as “independent contractors” to avoid paying workers’ compensation, unemployment insurance, and taxes. This practice not only cheats workers—it puts public health and safety at risk.
⚖️ WRCA Is Fighting Back
The Workers Rights Compliance Alliance (WRCA) is a California nonprofit formed to expose and challenge employers who exploit workers through misclassification, wage theft, and labor fraud. We are building a statewide coalition to hold abusive employers accountable—and we want you to be part of it.
💥 Why This Matters
Without fair pay and legal protections, California’s care economy collapses on the backs of immigrant women—many of whom suffer in silence.
The cost of exploitation is passed on to all of us: Medicaid fraud, public health risks, and increased poverty among caregivers.
Unscrupulous employers are getting rich while cheating the system and abusing the very people who care for our loved ones.
✊ Join the Fight
WRCA is calling on:
Home care workers who’ve been mistreated—your voice matters.
Allies and advocates who want to help protect this essential workforce.
Lawyers, unions, and healthcare professionals who want to end the culture of silence.
📝 Become a Free Member Today
By joining WRCA, you’ll gain access to:
Legal support and case review
Advocacy campaigns and public exposure
Community forums and educational resources
Opportunities to take part in lawsuits against abusive employers
Legal issues often arise when you least expect and usually at an inconvenient time. It’s not always easy to figure out if you need a lawyer, and, unfortunately, the cost of hiring one sometimes keeps people from getting the help they need.
Fortunately, there are providers at the national and state levels that offer free or low-cost legal help to those in need. This might be a self-help center at a law school or courthouse where law students can help you fill out legal forms or a lawyer referral service through your local bar association. Or it may be a free consultation with a lawyer to help sort out your legal problems and plot a course forward. Sometimes, these organizations even work with highly reputable law firms, offering their attorneys pro bono (no cost) legal help.
The type of free legal help available to you depends on what area of law you need help with. Some only deal with cases such as domestic violence or family law. Other nonprofits only deal with property issues such as foreclosure and eviction.
Find out more about legal resources in your area by looking through the links and contact information below. The links will answer your faqs and start you on your way to finding the legal resources and general legal information you need.
When dealing with a legal matter, an attorney’s help is often critical to a successful outcome. Getting in touch with good legal representation is usually the biggest hurdle, especially someone who can give you free legal answers. Use these state legal aid resources to help you get answers to your legal questions.
Works Rights Compliance Alliance 