Many have worked for struggling companies that have gotten spotty with payroll some weeks.
Such a company in Irvine has been ordered by the federal government to pay 58 employees $439,000 in back wages.
That is because Joined Inc., an academic recruitment, technology and curriculum services provider, blamed non-payment by clients and a business shutdown for wages not being paid to staff over several pay periods.
“Poor financial management by Joined Inc. or any company should never translate into missed paychecks for workers,” said Rodolfo Cortez, director of the U.S. Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division Office in San Diego. “With this settlement, dozens of hardworking people can now catch up on bills and other living expenses.”
Ironically, Joined Inc. used its hard workers to promote itself.
“One of our greatest assets is our diverse workforce,” reads a message on the home page.
If you’ve found yourself in similar straits, call the Wage and Hour Division’s toll-free helpline at 866.487.9243 (4US-WAGE) of visit dol.gov/whd.
