Labor Commissioner Shuts Down Nine Carwashes

From a June 2, 2009 News Release: California Labor Commissioner Angela Bradstreet today pursued legal action to shut down nine carwash businesses across the state for failing to register with the California Division of Labor Standards Enforcement as required under California Labor Code section 2050.  The Labor Commissioner filed a similar suit against a Sacramento based carwash business in April.  Each of the ten carwash businesses was repeatedly cited by the Labor Commissioner’s Office for failure to register.

“These lawsuits have been filed against carwashes that continue to illegally operate without a registration, despite citations issued against them for multiple violations,” said California Labor Commissioner Angela Bradstreet. “This action is intended to send a clear and strong message to the carwash industry that we will not tolerate this illegal activity.”

In 2003, the California legislature passed AB 1688 establishing a registration system for all carwash and polishing businesses. Known also as the Carwash Worker Law under Labor Code Sections 2050-2067, the law protects the well being of employees in the car washing and polishing industry.

The Division of Labor Standards Enforcement adjudicates wage claims, investigates discrimination and public works complaints, and enforces state labor law and Industrial Welfare Commission wage orders.

To learn more about the functions of the California Labor Commissioner, visit our web site at www.dir.ca.gov/dlse. 

What Should You Do?

• Verify your carwash has registered pursuant to these requirements.
• Follow proper pay procedures and document all hours worked and the hourly pay associated with each hour worked or not worked in the case of sick, vacation, etc.
• Ensure nonexempt employees take all required meal and rest breaks.

Spanish Forms

Original posting: Friday, January 25, 2008 -- Did you know CalChamber has almost 300 forms for use by its members? From sample policies to employee notification forms and checklists, there are forms to meet many of the needs employers face.

We also have forms available in Spanish, including harassment complaint forms and make-up time requests. If you have Spanish speaking employees, check out these forms on HRCalifornia under "Forms and Checklists"!