589 Workers will Recoup $1 Million in Stolen Wages
SAN DIEGO – Janitors, leaders for the MCTF (Maintenance Cooperation Trust Fund), California Labor Commissioner Lilia García-Brower and supporters will hold a press conference at 10 a.m., Tuesday, January 23 to announce a groundbreaking $1 million settlement covering 589 people who worked as janitors cleaning eight Cheesecake Factory locations in Orange and San Diego counties.
The workers frequently worked without regular meal and rest breaks, and they accrued hours of unpaid overtime each week. The settlement also includes a formal apology to janitors by the janitorial company contracted by the Cheesecake Factory. Organizers from the MCTF worked with dozens of workers over the past six years to recover the stolen wages.
More than 500 individuals who may be eligible for the settlement are asked to call (619) 213-5260 if they worked as a janitor at the Cheesecake Factory between August 31, 2014-August 31, 2017.
WHO:
- Naxhili Perez, former janitor at the Cheesecake Factory
- Lilia García-Brower, California Labor Commissioner
- Yardenna Aaron, Executive Director, MCTF
- Rafael Ventura, Director, MCTF
Note: speakers in English and Spanish will be available.
WHAT: Press Conference and Check Distribution
WHERE: Labor Commissioner’s Office (7575 Metropolitan Drive, San Diego, CA 92108-4424), 3rd Floor Conference room
Free Parking is available in the front and back of the building.
WHEN: 10 a.m., Tuesday, Jan. 23, 2024
VISUALS: Workers will receive their settlement checks. A jumbo-sized check will display the total amount being paid to workers.
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About the Maintenance Cooperation Trust Fund:
The MCTF is a California statewide watchdog organization whose mission is to abolish illegal and unfair business practices in the janitorial industry. The MCTF investigates allegations of employment law violations and partners with local, state, and federal enforcement agencies to hold unscrupulous contractors accountable.