By: Jacob Kessler
The Department of Labor has stated to The Village Reporter that Los Mariachis owner Ruben Lopez is responsible for the pay violations that occurred at the restaurant.
A statement received from Rhonda Burke at the Department of Labor reads, “Ruben Lopez is the owner and legal employer, he was involved in the day-to-day operations of the restaurant as well as the pay practices during the investigation period, he is responsible for violations occurring in his business.”
Also included in the statement from the Department of Labor was the time period for which the investigation took place.
“The investigation was initiated in late 2019 and covered a two-year period from December 5th, 2019, to December 5th, 2021.”
“The final conference was held on February 16th, 2022, with owner Ruben Lopez and the general manager Oscar Lopez.”
The Wage and Hour Division discussed the findings and back wages due. Ruben Lopez did not agree to pay back the wages until October 12th, 2022.”
The money was paid to the Department of Labor in the amount of $245,509 following the agreement on October 12th.
The Department of Labor however has stated that there may be individuals that have not received their money due to them not being located.
Workers can check the Workers Owed Wages Website at webapps.dol.gov/wow/ to see if there is collected unpaid wages for them.
Attempts to contact someone at Los Mariachis to discuss what was stated by the Department of Labor was unsuccessful.
It was stated that the individual who would handle questions regarding this was not available.
Jacob can be reached at jacob@thevillagereporter.com