April 30, 2025 | MedLegalNews.com – Pepperdine and Four Janitorial Contractors Cited $80K for Labor Violations
University and Contractors Penalized for Failing to Comply with Janitorial Registration Law
The California Labor Commissioner’s Office (LCO) has cited Pepperdine University and four janitorial contractors a total of $80,000 for violating the state’s janitorial registration requirements. The enforcement action followed an investigation revealing that Pepperdine had contracted unregistered janitorial companies, in breach of California labor laws.
Employers Must Ensure Legal Compliance
“Entities that contract for janitorial services are legally responsible for ensuring their contractors comply with the law,” said Labor Commissioner Lilia García-Brower. “The Janitorial Registration Program is a vital tool to protect workers and uphold basic labor standards.”
The investigation was launched after a referral from the Maintenance Cooperation Trust Fund (MCTF), a watchdog group targeting illegal business practices in California’s janitorial industry. Although Pepperdine previously used registered contractors, it later hired firms that lacked valid state registration.
As a result, the university received the maximum penalty of $10,000 per violation, totaling $40,000 under Labor Code § 1432(b). Each of the four unregistered janitorial contractors was also fined $10,000 under Labor Code § 1432(a) for operating without the required registration.
Contractors Cited
The four companies cited were:
- WFF Facility Services LLC, dba HES Facilities Management – Knoxville, TN
- TM Janitorial Services, Inc. – Tujunga, CA
- Lyncroft Advisors, Inc. – Torrance, CA
- Supreme Facilities Services LLC – Agoura Hills, CA
Background on the Janitorial Registration Program
The Janitorial Registration Program was established under the Property Service Workers Protection Act. It requires janitorial employers to register annually with the LCO and provide in-person sexual violence and harassment prevention training every two years to all employees. These requirements aim to protect vulnerable workers, maintain fair competition, and raise standards across the industry.
Labor Commissioner’s Broader Enforcement Mission
The LCO, a division within the California Department of Industrial Relations, enforces wage laws and combats unfair competition. Its “Reaching Every Californian” campaign, launched in 2020, continues to raise awareness about worker rights and enforcement procedures statewide.
📞 Workers or employers with questions can call 1-833-LCO-INFO (833-526-4636) from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Source: DIR