Katelyn Walker Mooney Acting Assistant Secretary for Policy | Official Website
The U.S. Department of Labor has successfully recovered $317,736 in unpaid wages and damages from PALS LLC, a Southern California residential care provider. The action followed an investigation revealing that the company had not paid overtime to 45 workers, some of whom were working up to 70 hours weekly.
The Wage and Hour Division of the department discovered that PALS LLC intentionally did not pay overtime rates for hours exceeding 40 per week. Additionally, it was found that the employer failed to maintain proper records of employees' work hours and pay rates at its locations in Indio and Whittier.
In light of these findings, the division imposed civil money penalties amounting to $10,829 on PALS LLC due to the deliberate nature of their violations.
“We urge all employers in this industry to review their pay practices and respect workers’ right to be paid all of their hard-earned wages,” stated Gayane Aleksanian, Assistant District Director for the Wage and Hour Division in West Covina, California. She emphasized the department's commitment to protecting care workers through available enforcement tools.
PALS LLC was established in 1998 and provides assistance for adults with developmental disabilities to live independently at home. It serves clients residing in Los Angeles County and Riverside County through its locations in Indio and Whittier.
For those who suspect they may be owed back wages or wish to file a complaint, resources are available through the Wage and Hour Division’s website. Employees and employers can also seek confidential compliance assistance via a toll-free helpline at 866-4US-WAGE (487-9243). The division offers support in over 200 languages.
Additionally, a Timesheet App is available for iOS and Android devices—offered in both English and Spanish—to help ensure accurate tracking of hours worked and pay received.
