Walnut Creek taqueria owner denied overtime wages to employees

The owner of a Walnut Creek restaurant failed to pay overtime wages to more than a dozen workers, authorities said.

An investigation by the U.S. Department of Labor found that the owner of Taqueria El Molino on Oak Grove Road stiffed 14 workers on the pay, which is guaranteed by law, according to a statement from the agency. The investigation recovered about $45,700 in back wages and overtime pay.

According to the agency, the restaurant willfully paid straight-time rates and cash for overtime hours that employees worked.

The agency said it recovered $22,866 in overtime and minimum wages for 14 employees, as well as $22,866 in liquidated damages.

The restaurant was fined $20,581 in civil penalties for willfully violating the law, the agency said.

A call to the Employment, Education and Outreach helpline sparked the investigation, the agency said. That group is an alliance of government agencies, consulates and non-profit organizations that promote labor rights awareness among immigrant employees. Workers who have questions about their rights or who believe they have been victims of employment law violations can call 877-552-9832 (877-55-AYUDA).