L.A. County Tortilla Maker Failed To Pay 72 Workers: Labor Officials

LOS ANGELES, CA — An investigation by the U.S. Department of Labor revealed that Los Angeles-based tortilla maker La Flor de Mexico failed to pay 72 of its workers in full, officials said.

The report found $66,253 in back wages, plus $66,253 in liquidated damages for the workers, according to a release from the DOT.

La Flor de Mexico, located in Baldwin Park, did not pay employees for all hours worked and overtime rates for hours over 40 in a workweek, according to the report.

Investigators also found that La Flor de Mexico used a staffing agency called Employee Force Provider to hire most of its workers and co-manage the day-to-day operation of the tortilla manufacturing business.

The findings put the company in violation of the Fair Labor Standards Act.

"The U.S. Department of Labor will always be vigilant to ensure all employers comply with the Fair Labor Standards Act," said Skarleth Kozlo, the department's wage and hour division assistant district director. "Workers must be paid correctly and on time for their work."

The Wage and Hour Division found out about this case through a Univision news segment that aired on May 20, the department said.

Those who want to check whether they are owed back wages collected by the Wage and Hour Division can use this tool.

The manufacturer makes and supplies wheat, corn, oat, multigrain tortillas, lavash and flatbread.