In San Leandro, an investigation by the U.S. Department of Labor Wage and Hour Division has exposed labor violations at Angry Fish Sushi Inc., finding that the eatery denied overtime pay and appropriated workers' tips. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, the restaurant located at 16250 E 14th St. was paying employees in cash for hours clocked beyond the standard 40 in a workweek without the legally required overtime rates; the inquiry also found that day-rate compensation failed to account for overtime and even led to minimum wage breaches.
For 24 of its employees, Angry Fish Sushi has been ordered to remunerate $21,937 in back wages and an identical sum in liquidated damages due to these breaches, with the Department also levying a $7,806 civil penalty against the business. Francisco Ocampo, the Wage and Hour Division District Director in San Jose, shared a firm stance on the issue, the U.S. Department of Labor stating, "The U.S. Department of Labor will do all that’s needed to protect restaurant workers from being exploited by employers who deny them their earned overtime and steal their hard-earned wages and tips." The penalties reflect an unwavering commitment to challenge unjust labor practices.
Victimized workers seeking unpaid wages have resources at their disposal, including the division's Workers Owed Wages search tool, which helps them find if they are due compensation. In addition, both employers and workers can utilize the department's Timesheet App for Android and iOS, ensuring all hours are recorded accurately.
