February 27, 2025 | San Diego, CA — MedLegalNews.com — Wage violations have led to a major enforcement action in Southern California, as the California Labor Commissioner’s Office (LCO) successfully recovered $431,601 in unpaid wages and damages for 86 carpenters who were underpaid on construction projects in San Diego and San Bernardino Counties. The recovery underscores the state’s continued effort to combat wage theft and ensure fair pay for workers employed by San Diego contractors on large-scale building projects.
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 affected by wage violations received their rightful earnings, the LCO used mechanic’s liens—a powerful legal tool that allows unpaid employees to place a claim on an employer’s property. These liens created financial pressure on the violating contractors, ultimately leading to the full 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 wage violations impacted workers across several construction phases, underscoring the ongoing need for strict labor law enforcement and proactive oversight in California’s construction industry.
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.
For full details on recent enforcement actions and labor standards, visit the California Department of Industrial Relations official website.
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FAQs: San Diego Contractors Wage Violations and Worker Rights
What were the main labor law violations by San Diego contractors?
The Labor Commissioner found that several San Diego contractors violated wage laws, including unpaid overtime and failure to meet minimum wage requirements on multiple projects.
How did workers recover lost pay from San Diego contractors wage violations?
Workers recovered their unpaid wages through mechanic’s liens, which allowed them to place claims on the contractors’ property until full payment was made.
Can construction workers in San Diego report wage theft anonymously?
Yes. The California Labor Commissioner’s Office allows workers to report suspected wage theft anonymously, ensuring their rights are protected while an investigation proceeds.
What penalties do employers face for wage violations in San Diego?
Employers found guilty of wage violations can face heavy fines, repayment orders, and possible license suspensions, especially for repeat or intentional offenses.