The U.S. Department of Labor has successfully recovered $132,506 in back wages and damages for 72 workers at a wholesale tortilla manufacturing company in Los Angeles County. The recovery follows an investigation by the department's Wage and Hour Division into La Flor de Mexico Inc., which revealed that the company did not pay minimum wage or overtime premiums as required under the Fair Labor Standards Act.

The investigation identified a joint employment relationship between La Flor de Mexico and Employee Force Provider, a staffing agency that supplied most of the company's workforce and assisted in managing day-to-day operations.

"The U.S. Department of Labor will always be vigilant to ensure 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."

The division was alerted to this case following a news segment by Cecilia Bográn, which aired on Univision Los Angeles on May 20, 2024. La Flor de Mexico Inc. produces various types of tortillas along with lavash and flatbread.

Workers can verify if they are owed back wages through the division's Workers Owed Wages search tool. Employers and workers seeking assistance can contact the Wage and Hour Division via its toll-free number, 1-866-4-US-WAGE. To help ensure accurate tracking of hours worked and pay, the department offers a free Timesheet App available in English or Spanish for both Android and iOS devices.

This information is also accessible in Spanish.