FIBRA Prologis to Host Fourth Quarter 2016 Earnings Conference Call January 27

January 3, 2017

MEXICO CITY, Jan. 3, 2017 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — FIBRA Prologis (BMV: FIBRAPL 14), the leading owner and operator of Class-A industrial real estate in Mexico, will host a webcast and conference call with senior management to discuss fourth quarter results, current market conditions and future outlook on Friday, January 27, at 9:00 a.m. CT/10:00 a.m. ET.

To access a live broadcast of the call, dial +1 877 256 7020 (toll-free from the United States and Canada), 01 800 926 9146 (toll-free from Mexico) or +1 973 409 9692 from all other countries and enter conference code 39718062. A live webcast can be accessed at www.fibraprologis.com in the Investor Relations section January 27.

A telephonic replay will be available January 27 – February 3 at +1 855 859 2056 from the U.S. and Canada or at +1 404 537 3406 from all other countries using conference code 39718062. The replay will be posted in the Investor Relations section of the FIBRA Prologis website.

ABOUT FIBRA PROLOGIS
FIBRA Prologis is the leading owner and operator of Class-A industrial real estate in Mexico. As of September 30, 2016, FIBRA Prologis comprised 190 logistics and manufacturing facilities in six industrial markets in Mexico totaling 33.3 million square feet (3.1 million square meters) of gross leasable area.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
The statements in this release that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based on current expectations, estimates and projections about the industry and markets in which FIBRA Prologis operates, management’s beliefs and assumptions made by management. Such statements involve uncertainties that could significantly impact FIBRA Prologis financial results. Words such as “expects,” “anticipates,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “seeks,” “estimates,” variations of such words and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements, which generally are not historical in nature. All statements that address operating performance, events or developments that we expect or anticipate will occur in the future — including statements relating to rent and occupancy growth, acquisition activity, development activity, disposition activity, general conditions in the geographic areas where we operate, our debt and financial position, are forward-looking statements. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to predict. Although we believe the expectations reflected in any forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, we can give no assurance that our expectations will be attained and therefore, actual outcomes and results may differ materially from what is expressed or forecasted in such forward-looking statements. Some of the factors that may affect outcomes and results include, but are not limited to: (i) national, international, regional and local economic climates, (ii) changes in financial markets, interest rates and foreign currency exchange rates, (iii) increased or unanticipated competition for our properties, (iv) risks associated with acquisitions, dispositions and development of properties, (v) maintenance of real estate investment trust (“FIBRA”) status and tax structuring, (vi) availability of financing and capital, the levels of debt that we maintain and our credit ratings, (vii) risks related to our investments (viii) environmental uncertainties, including risks of natural disasters, and (ix) those additional factors discussed in reports filed with the “Comisión Nacional Bancaria y de Valores” and the Mexican Stock Exchange by FIBRA Prologis under the heading “Risk Factors.” FIBRA Prologis undertakes no duty to update any forward-looking statements appearing in this release.

Non-Solicitation – Any securities discussed herein or in the accompanying presentations, if any, have not been registered under the Securities Act of 1933 or the securities laws of any state and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from the registration requirements under the Securities Act and any applicable state securities laws. Any such announcement does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy the securities discussed herein or in the presentations, if and as applicable.

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If You Own or Lease or Previously Owned, Purchased, or Leased Certain Toyota Vehicles, Namely 2005-2010 Tacoma, 2007-2008 Tundra or 2005-2008 Sequoia Vehicles, You Could Get Benefits from a Class Action Settlement.

January 3, 2017

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PHILADELPHIA, Jan. 3, 2017 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — The following statement is being issued by Heffler Claims Group regarding the Toyota Frame Class Settlement

Experience the interactive Multimedia News Release here: http://www.multivu.com/players/English/8007251-heffler-claims-group-toyota-frame-class-settlement

Para ver este aviso en español, visita www.ToyotaFrameSettlement.com

There is a proposed settlement that has been preliminarily approved in a class action lawsuit against Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc. (“Toyota”) concerning certain Toyota Tacoma, Tundra and Sequoia vehicles. Those included in the settlement have legal rights and options that must be exercised by certain deadlines.

What is the lawsuit about?

The lawsuit alleges that the frames of certain Toyota Tacoma, Tundra and Sequoia vehicles lack adequate rust protection, resulting in premature rust corrosion of the vehicles’ frames. Toyota denies that it has violated any law, denies that it engaged in any and all wrongdoing, and denies that the Tacoma, Tundra and Sequoia vehicles’ frames are defective. The Court did not decide which side was right. Instead, the parties decided to settle.

Am I Included in the proposed settlement?

Subject to certain limited exclusions, you are included if as of December 2, 2016,

You own or owned, purchase(d), or lease(d) a Subject Vehicle that was
Distributed for sale or lease in any of the fifty States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico or any of the territories or possessions of the United States.

The Subject Vehicles are Model Year 2005-2010 Toyota Tacoma, Model Year 2007-2008 Toyota Tundra, and Model Year 2005-2008 Toyota Sequoia vehicles. The class includes persons, entities and/or organizations.

This settlement does not involve claims of personal injury, wrongful death or actual physical property damage arising from an accident involving the Subject Vehicles.

What does the settlement provide?

The proposed settlement provides for: a free Frame Inspection and Replacement Program through which Toyota Dealers will, upon your request, inspect the frames on the Subject Vehicles to determine whether your Subject Vehicle’s frame should be replaced. If the frame needs to be replaced because it satisfies the Rust Perforation Standard, replacement of the frame and associated parts will be at no cost to you. If the frame does not meet the criteria for frame replacement, under certain circumstances, the Toyota Dealer will apply Corrosion-Resistant Compounds (“CRC”) at no cost to you, pursuant to the Inspection Protocol. The settlement also reimburses Class Members who previously paid out-of-pocket for frame replacement due to rust perforation that satisfies the Rust Perforation Standard that were incurred prior to January 3, 2017 and that were not otherwise reimbursed.

What are my options?

Stay in the Class and receive settlement benefits. You can have your vehicle’s frame inspected or seek reimbursement for frame replacement costs you already paid for yourself, pursuant to the terms of the Settlement Agreement. The deadline to submit Claim Forms and any supporting documentation is sixty (60) days after the Court issues the Final Order and Final Judgment, which will occur, if approved, after the Fairness Hearing.

If you do nothing, you will remain in the class and receive the benefits of the settlement, but will not be able to sue Toyota.

You can exclude yourself by March 27, 2017, if you do not want to be part of the settlement. You will not get any settlement benefits, but you keep the right to sue Toyota about the issues in the lawsuit.

You can object to all or part of the settlement by March 27, 2017, if you do not exclude yourself.

The full notice describes how to obtain settlement relief, exclude yourself, and object.

The Court will hold a fairness hearing on April 27, 2017 at 10:00 a.m. Pacific time to (a) consider whether the proposed settlement is fair, reasonable, and adequate, and (b) decide the plaintiffs’ lawyers’ request for attorneys’ fees of up to $9.75 million and costs and expenses of up to $150,000 and awards of up to $2,500 for each of the Class Representatives. The motion for attorneys’ fees and costs and plaintiff incentive awards will be posted on the website after they are filed. You may appear at the hearing, but you are not required to and you may hire an attorney to appear for you, at your own expense.

For more information or a claim form, call 1-800-481-7948, or visit www.ToyotaFrameSettlement.com

Redesigned familydoctor.org Offers Physician-Reviewed and Approved Health and Wellness Resources to Help Patients Get and Stay Healthy

January 3, 2017

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LEAWOOD, Kan., Jan. 3, 2017 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Being healthy means staying informed and up to date on the latest, evidence-based health resources. The newly redesigned familydoctor.org aims to help patients do just that. From comparing cold and flu symptoms to tips on how to begin exercising, the site that 4 million people trust each month has been revamped and restructured with the patient in mind.

Familydoctor.org provides new health and wellness information, in both English and Spanish. Hundreds of new patient-facing articles have been carefully reviewed by family physicians and patients. And it’s that extra level of thoroughness that means patients can trust familydoctor.org.

“The familydoctor.org experience is all about the patient,” said American Academy of Family Physicians president, John Meigs, Jr., MD. “All content undergoes a rigorous review by a panel of board certified family physicians, so you can rest assured the content is top quality, up to date, and accurate.”

Meigs adds, “Family physicians rely on familydoctor.org to provide patients with information to take home after the office visit. The information the patient gets in the comfort of their own home is the same information we trust to give patients in the exam room.”

Developed by the AAFP, familydoctor.org offers articles that are written in conversational, easy-to-understand language. The evidence-based content concentrates on conditions most commonly treated by family physicians, as well as those with the greatest impact on population health.

“Whether you’re looking for information on the latest health headlines or tips for getting and staying healthy, familydoctor.org has you covered,” Meigs said.

The familydoctor.org redesign includes resources such as patient handouts, basic diagnosis and treatment information with an updated Symptom Checker, and all of the content is fully-functional on mobile devices. For more information, please visit www.familydoctor.org.

About the American Academy of Family Physicians
Founded in 1947, the AAFP represents 124,900 physicians and medical students nationwide. It is the only medical society devoted solely to primary care.

Family physicians conduct approximately one in five office visits — that’s 192 million visits annually or 48 percent more than the next most visited medical specialty. Today, family physicians provide more care for America’s underserved and rural populations than any other medical specialty. Family medicine’s cornerstone is an ongoing, personal patient-physician relationship focused on integrated care.

To learn more about the specialty of family medicine, the AAFP’s positions on issues and clinical care, and for downloadable multi-media highlighting family medicine, visit www.aafp.org/media. For information about health care, health conditions and wellness, please visit the AAFP’s award-winning consumer website, www.familydoctor.org.

POST® PEBBLES™ Kick Starts 2017 with Launch of Cinnamon PEBBLES™

January 3, 2017

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LAKEVILLE, Minnesota, Jan. 3, 2017 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Post Consumer Brands is kicking off the New Year by unveiling Cinnamon Pebbles. The new variety stays true to the fun of the classic Pebbles cereal, but with a creative flavor twist. Each box is packed with a cinnamon sweet taste and is sure to become an instant hit with Pebbles fans.

“We’re always looking to bring to life new and innovative flavors, and with the growing popularity and consumer demand for all-things cinnamon, it’s the perfect time to add this delicious flavor to the Pebbles product line,” said Oliver Perez, Senior Brand Manager at Post Consumer Brands. “Similar to the classic Fruity and Cocoa Pebbles brands, the new Cinnamon Pebbles cereal will provide a total sensory overload. As soon as you open a box of Cinnamon Pebbles, the sweet cinnamon smell really comes to life.”

Whether eaten straight from the box, poured in a bowl with milk or added into recipes, Cinnamon Pebbles delivers great taste for cereal lovers of all ages. Recipes such as Cocoa Pebbles Churros or Fruity Pebbles Cereal Milk Doughnuts can easily be made with Cinnamon Pebbles for a unique twist on these traditional sweet treats. For more kid-friendly recipes like these, Pebbles fans can visit: https://www.postconsumerbrands.com/brands/pebbles/

Post Cinnamon Pebbles begins to hit select grocery stores nationwide this month. Pebbles fans can find a store near them by visiting https://www.postconsumerbrands.com/store-locator.

For creative inspiration, connect with Pebbles on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PebblesCereal or on Instagram and Twitter by following @PebblesCereal.

About Post Consumer Brands
Post Consumer Brands is a business unit of Post Holdings, Inc., formed from the combination of Post Foods and MOM Brands in May 2015. Headquartered in Lakeville, Minn., Post Consumer Brands today is the third largest cereal company in the United States, with a broad portfolio spanning all segments of the category — from iconic household name brands and value ready-to-eat cereals to natural/organic and hot cereal varieties. As a company committed to high standards of quality and to our values, we are driven by one idea: To make better happen every day. For more information about our brands, visit www.postconsumerbrands.com.Photo – http://mma.prnewswire.com/media/452098/Post_Consumer_Brands_Cinnamon_Pebbles.jpg

Post_Consumer_Brands_Cinnamon_Pebbles_Doughnuts

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March of Dimes Offers 9 New Year’s Resolutions on Healthy Pregnancy for Moms-to-Be

December 30, 2016

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WHITE PLAINS, N.Y., Dec. 30, 2016 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — If you’re a woman who’s pregnant or planning a baby this season, make a New Year’s resolution to be as healthy as you can, says the March of Dimes Foundation. The first step is to start taking a daily multivitamin containing the B vitamin folic acid, even if you’re not trying to get pregnant.

“Your health before and during pregnancy has a direct impact on your baby,” says Dr. Siobhan Dolan, a medical advisor to the March of Dimes and co-author of the non-profit’s book Healthy Mom, Healthy Baby: The Ultimate Pregnancy Guide. “The good news is that there are many things you can do as a mom-to-be that can protect your own health and help you have a healthy baby.”

Dr. Dolan says it’s also a good idea to eat foods that contain folate, the natural form of folic acid, including lentils, green leafy vegetables, black beans, and orange juice. In addition, some foods are fortified with folic acid, including enriched grain products such as bread, cereal, and pasta; and corn masa products such as tortilla chips and tacos.

Besides taking a daily multivitamin containing folic acid to prevent serious birth defects of the brain and spine, women can take other steps to avoid infections that can hurt them and their babies during pregnancy. Foodborne illnesses, viruses, and parasites can cause birth defects and lifelong disabilities, such as hearing loss or learning problems. Other resolutions from the March of Dimes for moms-to-be:

Be up-to-date with your vaccinations (shots). Talk to your healthcare provider about vaccinations you should receive before or during pregnancy, including your flu shot and Tdap booster.
Don’t eat raw or undercooked meat, raw or runny eggs, unpasteurized (raw) juice or dairy products, raw sprouts — or products made with them.
Handle foods safely. Be sure to wash all knives, utensils, cutting boards, and dishes used to prepare raw meat, fish or poultry before they come into contact with other foods.
Maintain good hygiene. Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially before preparing or eating foods; after being around or touching pets and other animals; and after changing diapers or wiping runny noses.
Do not put a young child’s food, utensils, drinking cups, or pacifiers in your mouth.
Protect yourself from animals and insects known to carry diseases such as Zika virus, including mosquitos. This includes avoiding travel to areas where the virus is circulating. Find out more at ZAPzika.org.
Stay away from wild or pet rodents, live poultry, lizards and turtles during pregnancy.
Let someone else clean the cat litter boxes!

Birth defects affect 1 in every 33 babies born in the United States each year, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. January is Birth Defects Prevention Month, and the week of January 8 through 14 is set aside for Folic Acid Awareness Week. Join the conversation and learn more on Twitter at hashtag #prevent2protect.

“The coming year will be full of surprises. So whether you’re pregnant or just want to have children in the future, resolve to help give them a healthy start in life,” says Dr. Dolan.

The March of Dimes is the leading nonprofit organization for pregnancy and baby health. For more than 75 years, moms and babies have benefited from March of Dimes research, education, vaccines, and breakthroughs. For the latest resources and information, visit marchofdimes.org or nacersano.org. Find us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

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(Español) World Logistics Cargo cierra el segundo semestre del año con un crecimiento del 30% en transporte de carga y la revista Fortuna la selecciona para hablar sobre el desarrollo del comercio exterior en Latinoamérica

December 30, 2016

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Goya Gives An On-Going Donation Of 125,000 Pounds Of Food And $10,000 To Catholic Charities Of The Archdiocese Of Newark

December 30, 2016

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JERSEY CITY, New Jersey, Dec. 29, 2016 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Goya Foods, the largest Hispanic owned food company in the United States, headquartered in New Jersey, will give an on-going donation of 125,000 pounds of Goya products and $10,000 to Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Newark, one of New Jersey’s oldest and largest social service agencies that helps nearly 70,000 individuals and families each year.

GOYA GIVES AN ON-GOING DONATION OF 125,000 POUNDS OF FOOD AND $10,000 TO CATHOLIC CHARITIES OF THE ARCHDIOCESE OF NEWARK

Goya will provide the first installment of 15,000 pounds of food for the holiday season, followed by 10,000 pounds each month throughout the year. “As an institution in the community, we strive to be a company of compassion and to do our part in helping others who need it the most, especially during the holiday season,” said Rafael Toro, Director of Public Relations of Goya Foods. “We will always support the work of organizations like Catholic Charities, who are directly helping to improve the overall wellness of our communities.” The donation of $10,000 will go to the Hope House Homeless Shelter, located at 246 2^nd Street, in Jersey City, New Jersey and St. Rocco’s Emergency Family Shelter, located at 368 South 7^th Street, Newark, New Jersey. “Catholic Charities is very grateful for Goya’s generous donation. The much needed food will be given to the many people who come through our food program during the Christmas season. The $10,000 donation will be used to purchase presents for the families that live in our family shelters,” said John Westervelt, Chief Operating Officer of Catholic Charities. The shelters provide housing, meals and supportive services such as counseling, educational workshops, job assistance, housing placement and resources to homeless families including 36 single mothers and 58 children.

The donation is part of the Goya Gives campaign, a series of annual donations that serves to encourage others to participate in the message and act of helping those in need. Over the years, Goya has donated millions of pounds of food to organizations worldwide and continues to support over 250 organizations and cultural institutions. The public can also share the #GoyaGives message with friends and family through Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. For more information about Goya Foods, please visit www.goya.com.

For more information about Catholic Charities or naming opportunities, please contact Catholic Charities at (973) 596-4100, or visit our website at www.ccannj.org for more information.

About GOYA: Founded in 1936, Goya Foods, Inc. is America’s largest Hispanic-owned food company, and has established itself as the leader in Latin American food and condiments. Goya manufactures, packages, and distributes over 2,500 high-quality food products from Spain, Caribbean, Mexico, Central and South America. Goya products have their roots in the culinary traditions of Hispanic communities around the world; the combination of authentic ingredients, robust seasonings and convenient preparation makes Goya products ideal for every taste and every table. For more information on Goya Foods, please visit www.goya.com

About Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Newark: Tracing its roots to 1903, Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Newark is a not-for-profit social service agency of the Roman Catholic Church within the Archdiocese of Newark. As one of New Jersey’s oldest and largest agencies, Catholic Charities serves approximately 70,000 individuals and families each year in over 87 programs. Its mission is to improve the quality of people’s lives and enhance their self-worth and dignity by providing superior social service, behavioral health, and education programs, and by advocating for justice in all human relationships. This mission is pursued through a network of caring, effective, and well-managed social service professionals within the four counties served by the Archdiocese: Bergen, Essex, Hudson and Union. The organization focuses on strengthening and preserving family life while restoring the dignity of each individual. The programs provide shelters for the homeless, food to the impoverished; care for the elderly and mentally ill, and education to children with developmental disabilities. Catholic Charities is a Ministry of the Church, a concrete illustration of the Church’s commitment to ease suffering and bring social justice and hope to all, without regard to religion, race or culture. Photo – http://mma.prnewswire.com/media/452554/Goya_Foods_Catholic_Charities_Donation.jpg

Media Contact:
Natalie Maniscalco
845.659.6506
[email protected]

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DIR Releases 2016 Legislative Digest with Overview of New Laws

December 29, 2016

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OAKLAND, California, Dec. 28, 2016 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — The Department of Industrial Relations (DIR) today released its 2016 Legislative Digest which summarizes new laws that impact workers and employers. Most of the chaptered bills are slated to take effect on January 1, 2017. Highlights of the chaptered bills include:

Improved California Wage and Hour Laws

SB 3 increases the state minimum wage annually starting on January 1, 2017 until it reaches $15 per hour on January 1, 2022. Employers with 25 or fewer employees have an extra year to comply with these requirements. It also provides that, starting July 1, 2018, In-Home Supportive Services workers are entitled to paid sick days.
AB 1066 ensures California farmworkers earn overtime pay according to the same standard as other workers, after eight hours in a day or 40 hours in a week. It creates a schedule to phase in these overtime requirements over a four-year period—from 2019 to 2022 for employers with 26 or more employees and from 2022 to 2025 for employers of 25 or fewer employees.
SB 1015 indefinitely extends the Domestic Workers Bill of Rights specifying that domestic workers earn overtime pay when they work more than nine hours in one workday day or more than 45 hours in any workweek.

Improved Access to Medical Care and Fraud Prevention

AB 1244 and SB 1160 build upon California’s workers’ compensation reforms by addressing two critical issues—reducing treatment delays for injured workers and rooting out provider fraud and illegitimate liens. AB 1244 requires the Division of Workers’ Compensation (DWC) to suspend any medical provider, physician or practitioner convicted of fraud from participating in the workers’ compensation system. SB 1160 expedites treatment to injured workers in the acute stage of a claim. It also mandates electronic reporting of utilization review data by claims administrators and implements measures intended to increase transparency and combat fraud in the system.

Improved Worker Health and Safety

AB 1978 protects janitorial workers by requiring registration of employers, starting July 1, 2018, and mandating the Labor Commissioner to establish a biennial in-person sexual violence and harassment prevention training requirement.
SB 1167 mandates Cal/OSHA propose a new standard that minimizes heat-related illness and injury among workers working in indoor places by January 1, 2019.

Budget Implementation

SB 836 (1) reforms the Labor Code Private Attorneys General Act (PAGA) to allow greater state government and court oversight of PAGA claims and litigation; (2) clarifies public works requirements for ready-mix cement delivery; (3) aligns statutes that authorize the Divisions of Labor Standards Enforcement (DLSE) and Occupational Safety and Health (Cal/OSHA) to charge fees for various regulatory activities to make the programs self-sustaining through user fees and reduce the number of funds into which those fees are deposited; (4) eliminates a duplicate inspection requirement in the Permanent Amusement Ride Safety Inspection Program; and (5) authorizes sharing confidential information among state education and job training agencies for evaluating and reporting on program performance and outcomes for program participants.

The Department of Industrial Relations protects and improves the health, safety and economic well-being of over 18 million wage earners, and helps their employers comply with state labor laws. DIR administers and enforces laws governing wages, hours and breaks, overtime, retaliation, workplace safety and health, apprenticeship training programs, and medical care and other benefits for injured workers. DIR also publishes materials and holds workshops and seminars to promote healthy employment relations, conducts research to improve its programs, and coordinates with other agencies to target egregious violators of labor laws and tax laws in the underground economy.

DIR’s divisions include the Division of Labor Standards Enforcement, also known as the Labor Commissioner’s Office, the Division of Occupational Safety and Health, commonly known as Cal/OSHA, the Division of Workers’ Compensation and the Division of Apprenticeship Standards.

Members of the press may contact Erika Monterroza or Peter Melton at (510) 286-1161, and are encouraged to subscribe to get email alerts on DIR’s press releases or other departmental updates.

The California Department of Industrial Relations, established in 1927, protects and improves the health, safety, and economic well-being of over 18 million wage earners, and helps their employers comply with state labor laws. DIR is housed within the Labor & Workforce Development Agency. For general inquiries, contact DIR’s Communications Call Center at 844-LABOR-DIR (844-522-6734) for help in locating the appropriate division or program in our department.

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Labor Commissioner Agreement Holds Santa Rosa Taxi Company Accountable for Failure to Carry Workers’ Compensation Insurance and Worker Misclassification

December 29, 2016

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SANTA ROSA, Calif., Dec. 29, 2016 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — California Labor Commissioner Julie A. Su announced that Santa Rosa taxi company A-C Transportation Services, Inc., has agreed to settle its $522,300 citation for refusing to provide its 30 drivers with workers’ compensation insurance coverage and for misclassifying them as independent contractors.

Owners Kevin and Jennifer Kroh, also doing business as Healdsburg Cab Company, agreed to pay a fine of $200,000 in installments, with final payment in June 2021. If they default on the payments the agreement is void and the full $522,300 judgement will be due. The company also agreed to cease all operations as of December 31, 2016.

The agreement comes after the taxi company was issued a Stop Order judgment in October by a Sonoma County Superior Court judge for continuing to refuse to provide workers compensation insurance as required by law.

“Hard working business owners across California get up every day and play by the rules, even when it isn’t always easy. This case sends a powerful message to businesses that break those rules by misclassifying their employees,” said Labor Commissioner Julie A. Su. “My office will not tolerate the misclassification of employees as a business model because it undercuts both workers’ rights and businesses who treat their employees fairly.”

The California Labor Commissioner’s Office launched its investigation into A-C Transportation Services in March of 2014 and found that it had failed to provide workers’ compensation insurance coverage as required by law from 2011 through 2014 and was misclassifying drivers as independent contractors. A citation for $522,300 was issued and appealed by A-C Transportation claiming their drivers were independent contractors who leased taxi cabs from the businesses.

In January 2015, the Labor Commissioner affirmed the citation and determined that the taxicab drivers were employees and not independent contractors. A-C Transportation Services then filed a petition to review the administrative decision in Sonoma County Superior Court. On September 16, the Court found that there was substantial evidence to support the Labor Commissioner’s determination and denied the petition. When A-C Transportation continued to operate and refused to secure workers’ compensation insurance, the Labor Commissioner requested the court to intervene and issue a Stop Order. On October 19, a Sonoma County Superior Court Judge issued a Stop Order judgment. On December 7, both parties reached an agreement to resolve the case.

Among its wide-ranging enforcement responsibilities, the Labor Commissioner’s Office inspects workplaces for wage and hour violations, adjudicates wage claims, investigates retaliation complaints, and educates the public on labor laws. Its Wage Theft is a Crime multilingual public awareness campaign helps inform workers of their rights and employers of their responsibilities. The Labor Commissioner’s Office, officially known as the Division of Labor Standards Enforcement, is a division of the Department of Industrial Relations (DIR).

Employees with work-related questions or complaints may contact DIR’s Call Center in English or Spanish at 844-LABOR-DIR (844-522-6734). The California Workers’ Information line at 866-924-9757 provides recorded information in English and Spanish on a variety of work-related topics.

Members of the press may contact Paola Laverde or Peter Melton at (510) 286-1161, and are encouraged to subscribe to get email alerts on DIR’s press releases or other departmental updates.

The California Department of Industrial Relations, established in 1927, protects and improves the health, safety, and economic well-being of over 18 million wage earners, and helps their employers comply with state labor laws. DIR is housed within the Labor & Workforce Development Agency. For general inquiries, contact DIR’s Communications Call Center at 844-LABOR-DIR (844-522-6734) for help in locating the appropriate division or program in our department.

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Labor Commissioner’s Restaurant Wage Theft Case Results in Landmark Criminal Conviction

December 29, 2016

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SAN DIEGO, Dec. 12, 2016 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — California Labor Commissioner Julie A. Su announced that a San Diego restaurant wage theft investigation resulted in the owner’s conviction and sentencing to two years’ jail time for grand theft and labor violations. San Diego County Superior Court further requires the owner to repay $20,000 in stolen wages and tips to six of the restaurant workers.

Evidence presented revealed that Zihan Zhang, owner of Antique Thai Cuisine in San Diego, targeted immigrant workers who were promised wages but then often paid only in tips. Some of the kitchen staff was paid as little as $4 an hour and forced to work during breaks and meal periods. The owner further collected a portion of the tips from the unpaid workers, and charged them $5 a shift for “glass breakage” to offset her operating costs.

“Our investigation uncovered egregious wage theft and worker abuse – our collaboration with the San Diego District Attorney has resulted in the first criminal conviction of its kind in our state,” said Labor Commissioner Julie A. Su. “California will continue to hold the line in ensuring that workers’ rights are protected.”

The Labor Commissioner’s Office referred the case in August 2014, and worked with the San Diego District Attorney’s Office to bring the case to trial. It is the first criminal jury trial conviction in California for felony grand wage theft by false pretenses.

Zhang was convicted of two felony counts of grand theft of labor for failing to pay workers as promised, one felony count of grand theft of tips and six misdemeanor charges, including two for refusing to pay wages when she had the ability to do so and four counts for failing to provide itemized wage statements.

“With the Labor Commissioner’s assistance, we delivered justice for workers who were repeatedly abused by a dishonest employer,” said San Diego County District Attorney Bonnie Dumanis. “Prosecuting these types of cases helps ensure a level playing field for honest employers to fairly compete in the marketplace.”

The trial included testimony from one worker who worked 12 days in a row, including double shifts, and was not paid her hourly wage. Video footage showed the worker asking Zhang about payments she was owed when Zhang fired her. Zhang also charged another server for customers’ meals when they left before the food was served.

The wage theft came to light in 2014 after some of the workers filed wage claims with the Labor Commissioner’s Office. The Labor Commissioner’s Office cited Antique Thai $36,617 in July of 2014, including assessments of $14,567 for rest and meal period premiums, wages, overtime and liquidated damages, and civil penalties of $22,050 for failure to provide itemized wage statements as well as overtime, minimum wage, rest and meal period requirements.

Among its wide-ranging enforcement responsibilities, the Labor Commissioner’s Office inspects workplaces for wage and hour violations, adjudicates wage claims, investigates retaliation complaints, and educates the public on labor laws. Its Wage Theft is a Crime multilingual public awareness campaign helps inform workers of their rights and employers of their responsibilities. The Labor Commissioner’s Office, officially known as the Division of Labor Standards Enforcement, is a division of the Department of Industrial Relations (DIR).

Employees with work-related questions or complaints may contact DIR’s Call Center in English or Spanish at 844-LABOR-DIR (844-522-6734). The California Workers’ Information line at 866-924-9757 provides recorded information in English and Spanish on a variety of work-related topics.

Members of the press may contact Paola Laverde or Peter Melton at (510) 286-1161, and are encouraged to subscribe to get email alerts on DIR’s press releases or other departmental updates.

The California Department of Industrial Relations, established in 1927, protects and improves the health, safety, and economic well-being of over 18 million wage earners, and helps their employers comply with state labor laws. DIR is housed within the Labor & Workforce Development Agency. For general inquiries, contact DIR’s Communications Call Center at 844-LABOR-DIR (844-522-6734) for help in locating the appropriate division or program in our department.

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