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$800,000 to go to exploited California car wash workers
San Francisco District Attorney Kamala Harris speaks to supporters before a press conference.
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$800,000 to go to exploited California car wash workers
California Attorney General Kamala Harris announced Tuesday that the owner of eight car washes in California must pay a combined settlement of $1 million for worker exploitation. All of the businesses were purportedly operated by one man, Dipu Haque.
The California attorney general's office filed a civil suit against the car wash companies over a year ago. Eighty workers interviewed for the investigation said they weren't paid minimum wage or overtime, and that they were routinely denied breaks.
Of the million dollar settlement, $800,000 will go to the car wash employees. In total, 1,205 workers are due back pay. The state says it's difficult to track down workers in cases such as this, but if even half are found, the average restitution check will be more than $1,300.
The car washes must also pay $50,000 in back payroll taxes and $100,000 in civil penalties, the Sacramento Bee reports.
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Five of the car washes are in Southern California: Bonus Car Wash in Santa Monica, Valley Car Wash in Laguna Niguel, Marina Car Wash in Venice, Wash and Go Hand Wash in Irvine and the Laguna Hills Union 76 Station Car Wash.
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But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
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