A recent investigation by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division has revealed that La Flor De Mexico Inc., a wholesale tortilla manufacturer located in Baldwin Park, California, failed to comply with the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). The investigation, conducted at the company’s Commerce Drive facility, uncovered significant wage violations impacting 72 employees.
The core findings of the investigation highlighted that La Flor de Mexico did not pay minimum wage to its 72 workers for all hours they worked. Furthermore, the company neglected to provide overtime premium pay for employees who worked more than 40 hours in a workweek, a direct violation of federal labor laws. Adding complexity to the situation, investigators discovered a joint employment relationship between La Flor de Mexico and Employee Force Provider, a staffing agency. This agency was used by the manufacturer to hire a majority of its workforce and was involved in the daily management of the tortilla production operations.
As a result of these violations, the Department of Labor has successfully recovered $66,253 in back wages for the 72 affected workers. In addition to the unpaid wages, La Flor de Mexico Inc. is also required to pay an equal amount, $66,253, in liquidated damages to the employees. This brings the total recovery to $132,506, ensuring that the workers receive the compensation they rightfully earned.
Skarleth Kozlo, Assistant District Director for the Wage and Hour Division in West Covina, California, emphasized the Department’s commitment to enforcing labor laws. “The U.S. Department of Labor will always be vigilant to ensure all employers comply with the Fair Labor Standards Act,” Kozlo stated. “Workers must be paid correctly and on time for their work.”
The case against La Flor de Mexico came to light following a news segment by Univision Los Angeles, which aired on May 20, 2024. This media attention prompted the Wage and Hour Division to investigate the company’s practices. La Flor de Mexico Inc. is known for manufacturing a variety of tortillas, including wheat, corn, oat, and multigrain options, as well as lavash and flatbread products.
For workers who believe they may be owed back wages, the Wage and Hour Division provides a Workers Owed Wages search tool. Additionally, the division encourages both employees and employers to utilize resources such as the toll-free helpline (1-866-4-US-WAGE) and the Department of Labor’s Timesheet App to ensure accurate record-keeping of hours worked and pay. These tools are available in both English and Spanish, promoting accessibility and compliance with labor standards.
