News Release
US Department of Labor recovers $82K in overtime back wages, liquidated damages for underpaid Southern California restaurant workers
Employer: Zapopan Mexican Food
Investigation site: 14207 Palm Drive Suite 102
Desert Hot Springs, CA 92240
Investigation findings: U.S. Department of Labor Wage and Hour Division investigators found Zapopan Restaurants Inc. – operating as Zapopan Mexican Food – paid employees regular hourly rates instead of the overtime premium for hours over 40 in a workweek, as required. The employer also failed to keep accurate records, also a violation of the Fair Labor Standards Act.
Back Wages Recovered: $41,239 in overtime back wages for 11 employees
$41,239 in liquidated damages for 11 employees
Quote: “The U.S. Department of Labor is determined to protect workers’ rights to receive all their earnings as required by law, including overtime pay, and prevent employers from shortchanging their employees,” said Wage and Hour Division Assistant District Director Skarleth Kozlo in West Covina. “We encourage workers to download the Timesheet App, now also available for Android devices, to ensure hours and pay are accurate.”
Background: In fiscal year 2021, the Wage and Hour Division recovered more than $31.7 million in back wages for workers in the food service industry. The division also offers numerous online resources for employers, such as a fact sheet on Fair Labor Standards Act wage laws overtime requirements.
Employers and workers can call the division confidentially with questions regardless of their immigration status. The department can speak with callers in more than 200 languages through the agency’s toll-free helpline at 866-4US-WAGE (487-9243). Learn more about the Wage and Hour Division, and its search tool if you think you may be owed back wages collected by the division.
