Brown Sues Drywall Contractor for Exploiting Workers

LOS ANGELES—Citing the threat of a “shadowy, underground economy,” California Attorney General Edmund G. Brown Jr. sued the Brinas Corporation, a Los Angeles drywall contractor that unlawfully forced its employees to work without the benefit of legally mandated conditions. “The company exploited employees, engaged in unfair business practices and violated worker protections. Today’s lawsuit will send a strong message—California demands that workers be treated fairly and not be exploited in a shadowy, underground economy,” Attorney General Brown said. In August, the Attorney General launched an investigation into the employment, payroll and record-keeping practices of the Brinas Corporation and its predecessor; B. Wallco, Inc. Officials investigated construction sites, interviewed witnesses and reviewed records. Investigators founds that the company engaged in flagrantly unlawful business practices to slash labor costs and underbid competition. Brinas participated in a variety of schemes to deny employee rights including:

• Failure to pay minimum wage
• Failure to pay overtime pay
• Failure to provide paid rest breaks
• Failure to provide a lunch break
• Failure to provide the tools necessary to perform the work
• Failure to provide pay check subs
• Failure to provide accurate wages information to the Employment Development Department
• Failure to provide accurate information to the State Compensation Insurance Fund