The U.S. Department of Labor recovered $153,070 for 17 short-changed workers after an investigation uncovered half-baked overtime policies and child labor violations at a Honolulu bakery and cafe.
Investigators discovered Patisserie La Palme D’or, owned by Hiromi Tanaki, identified six pastry chefs as managers to evade overtime, according to an April 13 news release. The business also reportedly failed to pay overtime wages when employees worked more than 40 hours in a week.
"Employers are legally obligated to pay most workers the federal minimum wage and overtime. They cannot avoid paying overtime by simply giving their workers the title of manager," Wage and Hour Division District Director Terence Trotter in Honolulu said, according to the release. “La Palme D’or failed to pay workers as required and did not provide a safe workplace for minor employees. Consequently, they will pay back wages, damages and penalties.”
Tanaka also reportedly failed to pay several employees at least the federal minimum wage as required. These actions violated the Fair Labor Standards Act, according to the release.
Patisserie La Palme D’or was found guilty of allowing minor-aged workers to load and operate a trash compactor, the release reported. The Fair Labor Standards Act outlines under its hazardous labor provisions for young workers that this action is in violation of the act. The DOL found the company willfully disregarded the law.
“As food service industry employers struggle to find workers, employers whose pay practices comply with the law have an advantage and can attract and retain workers. Those who shortchange workers will likely find themselves without the people they need to succeed,” Trotter said, the release reported.
