February 27, 2025 – The California Labor Commissioner’s Office (LCO) has successfully recovered $431,601 in unpaid wages and damages for 86 carpenters who were underpaid while working on construction projects in San Diego and San Bernardino Counties. This enforcement action highlights the state’s commitment to combating wage theft and ensuring fair compensation for workers. San Diego Contractors
Contractors Cited for Labor Law Violations
In December 2023, the LCO, a division of the Department of Industrial Relations (DIR), issued citations against Howood Company Inc., Wermers Multi-Family Corporation, and JPI California Construction, LLC. The violations included failure to pay minimum wages, unpaid overtime, and other labor infractions.
The Carpenters/Contractors Cooperation Committee, Inc., a labor-management group, initially reported the wage theft. Shortly after, the LCO received additional complaints from workers on two other construction projects involving Howood. As a result, investigators uncovered widespread underpayment issues, leading to formal citations and enforcement actions.
Mechanic’s Liens Used to Recover Wages
To ensure workers received their earnings, the LCO used mechanic’s liens, a powerful legal tool that allows unpaid workers to secure a claim on an employer’s real property. These liens placed financial pressure on the employers, ultimately leading to the recovery of owed wages.
What Labor Commissioner Lilia García-Brower Said:
“This enforcement outcome demonstrates our commitment to utilizing every available tool to ensure that workers get paid. Mechanic’s liens are a powerful tool, and in this case, they allowed us to recover the earned wages owed to workers. Early detection is key, and industry leaders like the Carpenters/Contractors Cooperation Committee, Inc. are instrumental in exposing cases that would otherwise go undetected.”
Employers who fail to comply with labor laws risk severe financial penalties and potential legal action.
Construction Sites Where Workers Were Underpaid
The LCO investigation revealed that Howood withheld wages for several weeks at multiple project sites, including locations in Redlands and San Diego. These violations affected workers across various construction phases, further emphasizing the need for strict labor law enforcement.
Understanding Worker Rights and Employer Responsibilities
San Diego Contractors: The Labor Commissioner’s Office actively enforces wage laws and ensures that employers adhere to California’s labor standards. Workers who suspect wage theft should report violations immediately to avoid losing their right to recover earnings.
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