The owner of a Walnut Creek restaurant failed to pay overtime wages to more than a dozen workers, authorities said.
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An investigation by the U.S. Department of Labor found that the owner of Taqueria El Molino on Oak Grove Road stiffed 14 workers, according to a statement from the agency. The investigation recovered about $45,700 in back wages and overtime pay.
According to the agency, the restaurant willfully paid straight-time rates and cash for overtime hours that employees worked
The agency said it recovered $22,866 in overtime and minimum wages for 14 employees, as well as $22,866 in liquidated damages.
The restaurant was fined $20,581 in civil penalties for willfully violating the law, the agency said.
A call to the Employment, Education and Outreach helpline sparked the investigation, the agency said. That organization is an alliance of government agencies, consulates and non-profit organizations that promote labor rights awareness among immigrant employees.