A Buena Park restaurant has been hit with over $1.1 million in penalties for wage theft and paid sick leave violations. The California Labor Commissioner cited Food Source LLC for failing to pay workers their rightful wages, denying sick leave, and issuing unlawful wage statements. This case involved approximately 90 workers and highlights the importance of knowing and enforcing your rights as an employee in California.

What Happened

According to a press release from the California Department of Industrial Relations, the Labor Commissioner's Office issued citations totaling $532,561 against Food Source LLC. These citations covered unpaid regular wages, overtime wages, liquidated damages, and wage statement violations for 73 employees.

In addition, the Labor Commissioner filed a lawsuit against the company seeking $575,803 in damages for violations related to California's paid sick leave laws. These violations affected at least 90 employees.

The total penalties and damages claimed amount to more than $1.1 million.

Your Right to Be Paid Fairly

California workers have strong legal protections when it comes to wages. If you are an employee, you have the right to be:

• Paid at least minimum wage for every hour worked

• Paid time-and-a-half for all hours worked over eight in a day or 40 in a week

• Given accurate wage statements that clearly list hours worked, pay rate, and earned sick leave

• Allowed to use paid sick leave when needed, without fear of punishment or retaliation

In this case, workers were denied several of these rights. The Labor Commissioner found that employees were not paid for all the hours they worked, were denied overtime, and were not provided accurate wage statements. Some workers were also denied access to paid sick leave and were not informed of their right to use it.

The Law Behind the Penalties

Wage and Overtime Laws

Under California Labor Code sections 510 and 1194, employers must pay:

• Overtime at 1.5 times the regular rate for work over 8 hours per day or 40 hours per week

• Double time for work over 12 hours in one day

• All earned wages promptly on regularly scheduled paydays

Paid Sick Leave

The Healthy Workplaces, Healthy Families Act of 2014 requires employers to:

• Provide at least 24 hours or 3 days of paid sick leave per year

• Accrue sick leave at a rate of one hour for every 30 hours worked

• Display paid sick leave balances on pay stubs or a separate document each pay period

• Allow employees to use sick leave for their own health needs or to care for a family member

Employers who fail to meet these requirements can be held liable for unpaid wages, penalties, interest, and attorney's fees.

Why This Case Matters

This case sends a clear message to California workers: you do not have to accept unfair treatment or illegal pay practices. When employers violate wage laws, there are legal tools available to hold them accountable.

As an employment attorney who represents workers, I regularly hear from employees who are underpaid, overworked, or denied benefits they have earned. Many workers are afraid to speak up, especially if they are undocumented, working paycheck to paycheck, or unsure of their rights. But California law protects all workers, regardless of immigration status.

The Food Source case shows that wage theft is not just about unpaid hours. It also includes failing to provide paid sick leave, issuing improper pay stubs, and denying overtime. When multiple workers experience similar violations, a case can quickly become a serious legal and financial issue for the employer.

What You Can Do If You Suspect Wage Theft

If you believe you are not being paid correctly, here are steps you can take:

1. Keep Records
   Track your hours worked, breaks taken, and any sick leave used. Save your pay stubs and take notes if you notice inconsistencies.

2. Request a Copy of Your Payroll Records
   California law gives you the right to request your payroll and personnel records. Your employer must provide them within 21 days of your request.

3. Talk to a Lawyer
   An employment attorney can help you determine whether your rights have been violated. In many cases, employees can recover unpaid wages, penalties, and attorney's fees.

4. File a Claim with the Labor Commissioner
   The California Labor Commissioner's Office allows workers to file claims for wage theft, missed meal and rest breaks, sick leave violations, and more. The process is free and designed to help workers recover what they are owed.

5. Do Not Wait
   There are deadlines for taking legal action. If you wait too long, you may lose your right to recover unpaid wages.

Lessons for Other Employers

While I represent employees, this case also offers a warning to employers. Failing to comply with wage and sick leave laws can result in massive financial penalties and legal exposure. Employers who underpay workers or ignore sick leave requirements may find themselves in court or subject to enforcement by the state.

For employers who want to stay compliant, the best step is to audit payroll practices regularly, provide written policies about sick leave, and make sure every pay stub includes all legally required information.

Think Your Employer Is Breaking the Law? We Can Help.

The $1.1 million enforcement action against Food Source LLC is a reminder of how important it is for workers to know their rights. Wage theft and paid sick leave violations are serious issues that affect real people who are working hard to support themselves and their families.

If you think your employer has failed to pay you properly, denied you sick leave, or given you incorrect wage statements, you are not alone—and you do not have to face it by yourself. Help is available.

I am proud to stand with California workers and help them fight for the pay and respect they deserve. If you have questions or need guidance, reach out for a free consultation. You may be entitled to recover unpaid wages, penalties, and more.