The U.S. Department of Labor has recovered $132,506 in unpaid wages and damages for 72 workers employed by La Flor de Mexico Inc., a tortilla manufacturing company based in Los Angeles County. The investigation was conducted at the company's location on Commerce Drive in Baldwin Park, California.

The Department's Wage and Hour Division discovered that La Flor de Mexico did not pay minimum wages to its employees for all hours worked, nor did it pay overtime rates for hours worked beyond 40 per week. These actions were found to be in violation of the Fair Labor Standards Act. The investigation also revealed a joint employer relationship between La Flor de Mexico and Employee Force Provider, a staffing agency used by the manufacturer to hire most of its workforce and manage day-to-day business operations.

The recovery includes $66,253 in back wages and an equal amount in damages for the affected workers.

"The U.S. Department of Labor will always remain vigilant to ensure that all employers comply with the Fair Labor Standards Act," stated Skarleth Kozlo, Assistant District Director of the Wage and Hour Division in West Covina, California. "Workers must be paid correctly and on time for their work."

This case came to light following a news segment by Univisión Los Angeles reporter Cecilia Bográn aired on May 20, 2024. La Flor de Mexico Inc. is known as a manufacturer and supplier of wheat, corn, oat, and multigrain tortillas.

Workers can use the division’s online tool to check if there are any owed wages recovered on their behalf. Both employers and workers can contact the Wage and Hour Division at 1-866-4-US-WAGE for assistance. Additionally, they can ensure accurate tracking of hours and wages by downloading the free Timesheet app available for Android and iOS devices in both English and Spanish.

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