Livermore Roofing Contractor Ordered to Pay $2 Million in Back Wages for Unpaid Overtime

When hardworking employees put in long hours, they expect to be paid fairly for their time. Yet a recent court order involving a Livermore-based roofing company shows how quickly problems arise when employers fail to follow overtime rules.

A federal judge in San Francisco ordered Northern California Nail Co. Inc. to pay nearly $2 million in back wages and damages to 158 workers after a U.S. Department of Labor investigation revealed unpaid overtime and poor recordkeeping practices. The roofing contractor also owes $56,314 in penalties for the willful violations.

The case is a reminder that California workers have strong wage and hour protections that go beyond the federal standard. Knowing these rights is crucial for employees who suspect they are not being paid correctly.

What Are the Overtime Rules in California?

Non-exempt workers must be paid time and a half their regular rate of pay after working more than eight hours in a day or 40 hours in a week. If the workday stretches beyond 12 hours, the rate increases to double the regular pay. Employees who work all seven days in a workweek are also entitled to overtime for the first eight hours on the seventh day and double time for any additional hours.

The roofing case also highlights the importance of accurate timekeeping. California law requires employers to maintain payroll records showing hours worked and wages paid, along with documenting meal and rest periods. In addition, employers must provide workers with itemized wage statements. When companies fail to keep records, it becomes harder for employees to determine whether they’ve been underpaid.

However, the absence of proper documentation doesn’t prevent workers from pursuing a claim. Courts and state agencies often allow employees to rely on their own notes, pay stubs or testimony to show unpaid wages when an employer has not met its recordkeeping obligations. A skilled employment lawyer can help workers gather evidence to build a strong case and recover the pay they are owed.

Why This Matters for Workers

The Northern California roofing contractor case affected more than 150 employees, but similar issues arise across many industries, including construction, restaurants, hospitality and healthcare. The nearly $2 million judgment and penalty underscore the seriousness of these violations and how much money workers can lose if employers ignore overtime rules.

Wage theft can occur whenever employers misclassify workers as exempt, fail to pay them for overtime hours or neglect to record time properly. Other examples of wage and hour violations include missed meal breaks and not reimbursing workers for business expenses. 

Recovering Unpaid Wages

Workers who believe they aren’t being paid correctly should take steps to protect themselves. Keeping personal records of hours worked, comparing them with pay stubs and saving any written communication about scheduling can provide useful evidence if a dispute arises. If bringing up the matter directly with an employer doesn’t resolve it, it may be time to seek legal guidance.

Speaking with an employment lawyer can be especially important in situations where retaliation is a concern or when violations are widespread across a workplace. An attorney can explain how state law applies to your specific situation and help you recover the wages you are owed.

Contact an Oakland Employment Lawyer at Erich Law Firm

If you believe your employer owes you overtime pay or has committed other wage violations, discuss your situation with an Oakland employment lawyer at Erlich Law Firm. While we are not involved with this case, our law firm is dedicated to helping workers resolve their wage and hour disputes. Contact us today for a free initial consultation to learn more.