LOS ANGELES—On November 29, 2022, the Labor Commissioner’s Office announced it cited Shine N Brite Car Wash $908,998 for wage theft violations affecting 15 workers. The Los Angeles-based employer was cited for minimum wage, overtime and rest break violations.

An investigation found that workers, who worked 8- to 10-hour days, were paid a flat daily rate as low as $70. Workers who complained to the employer regarding wage theft and safety issues faced retaliation, including dismissal or reduced hours.

In June 2020, the Labor Commissioner’s Office opened an investigation into Shine N Brite Car Wash after receiving a referral from the CLEAN Car Wash Campaign. An audit of payroll records determined that the employer failed to pay workers for all hours worked and did not provide workers with required meal and rest breaks.

The citations, penalties and interest issued total $908,998, of which $818,548 is payable to workers for unpaid minimum wages and overtime, liquidated damages, waiting time penalties, meal and rest period premiums, wage statement damages and accrued interest. Individual workers are owed between $15,766 and $92,246.

The citations issued to Danmike Corp., Emunahahavah Corp. and Michael Zarabi DBA Shine N Brite also include civil penalties of $90,450 for failing to pay minimum wages, overtime, and meal and rest premiums.

Enforcement investigations typically include a payroll audit of the previous three years to determine minimum wage, overtime, and other labor law violations, and to calculate payments owed and penalties due. When workers are paid less than minimum wage, they are entitled to liquidated damages that equal the amount of underpaid minimum wages plus interest.

“It is important that the state investigates companies that take advantage of those they hire and those companies that don’t comply with labor laws.  Everyone deserves a fair wage to support themselves and their families,” said CSLEA President Alan Barcelona.