Current:Home > reviewsBay Area Subway franchises must pay $1 million for endangering children, stealing checks -TradeWise
Bay Area Subway franchises must pay $1 million for endangering children, stealing checks
View
Date:2025-04-12 14:36:39
Children as young as 14 working at various Bay Area Subways were directed to use dangerous equipment and work hours not permitted by law. And now the Subway owners have to pay them nearly $1 million in back wages and damages, according to an order by the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California.
Federal investigators found that the owners and operators didn't pay employees regularly, issued them hundreds of bad checks, and illegally stole their tips. The court also ordered the owners shut down their businesses by Nov. 27.
The accusations were lodged against John Meza, Jessica Meza, and Hamza Ayesh. Investigators found that the Mezas, who are the owners, interfered with the Wage and Hour Division's review of the accusations and had also coerced employees not to cooperate with the investigation. They also threatened children who expressed concerns or tried to exercise their legal rights.
Investigators also found that Meza's associate, Ayesh, threatened an employee who complained about their bounced paycheck.
The Mezas have been ordered to pay 184 workers $475,000 in minimum wage, overtime and tips, an equal amount in liquidated damages, and $150,000 in penalties. The Mezas and Ayesh will also have to pay $12,000 in punitive damages for their retaliatory conduct, according to the court order.
US wage growth is finally outpacinginflation. Many Americans aren't feeling it.
Bank of America increasesminimum wage for fifth consecutive year
The Bay Area Subway stores under investigation
The 14 Subway Bay Area locations are under investigation and litigation:
- 2777 Lone Tree Way, Antioch, California
- 1026 Oak St., Suite #103, Clayton, California
- 301 Sun Valley Mall, Concord, California
- 8500 Gravestein Highway, Unit B, Cotati, California
- 2375 California Blvd., Napa, California
- 3214 Jefferson St., Napa, California
- 902 Enterprise Way, Unit A, Napa, California
- 2620 Lakeville Highway, Unit #320, Petaluma, California
- 221 North McDowell Blvd., Petaluma, California
- 961 Lakeville Highway, Petaluma, California
- 13501 San Pablo Ave, San Pablo, California
- 124-B Calistoga Road, Santa Rosa, California
- 199 Lincoln Road West, C, Vallejo, California
- 6400 Hembree Lane, Unit #100, Windsor, California
veryGood! (96)
Related
- Intellectuals vs. The Internet
- Horoscopes Today, March 2, 2024
- The Daily Money: Consumer spending is bound to run out of steam. What then?
- 'SNL' host Sydney Sweeney addresses Glen Powell rumors, 'Trump-themed party' backlash
- 2025 'Doomsday Clock': This is how close we are to self
- The Daily Money: Consumer spending is bound to run out of steam. What then?
- A Lake Oswego dad is accused of drugging girls at a sleepover by lacing smoothies: Reports
- Vanderpump Rules' Lala Kent Is Pregnant With Baby No. 2
- The Best Stocking Stuffers Under $25
- PHOTOS: What it's like to be 72 — the faces (and wisdom) behind the age
Ranking
- Federal hiring is about to get the Trump treatment
- Chicago ‘mansion’ tax to fund homeless services stuck in legal limbo while on the ballot
- Sam Smith Debuts Daring Look While Modeling at Paris Fashion Week
- Federal officials will investigate Oklahoma school following nonbinary teenager’s death
- The FTC says 'gamified' online job scams by WhatsApp and text on the rise. What to know.
- The Daily Money: Consumer spending is bound to run out of steam. What then?
- You can get two free Krispy Kreme doughnuts on Super Tuesday. Here's what to know.
- A New Jersey city that limited street parking hasn’t had a traffic death in 7 years
Recommendation
Don't let hackers fool you with a 'scam
Why Joey Graziadei Is Defending Sydney Gordon After Bachelor Drama
Diamondbacks veteran was 'blindsided' getting cut before Arizona's World Series run
Body parts of 2 people found in Long Island park and police are trying to identify them
Man can't find second winning lottery ticket, sues over $394 million jackpot, lawsuit says
First over-the-counter birth control pill heads to stores
Malaysia may renew hunt for missing flight MH370, 10 years after its disappearance
Collision of 2 firetrucks heading to burning house injures 6 firefighters, police chief says