California Labor Commissioner Fines Care Facility $40,000 in Retaliation Case

A mental healthcare facility was ordered to pay $40,460 after the California Labor Commissioner’s Office found the company unlawfully terminated a care facility worker for reporting workplace violations.

The LCO cited Ali Baba Corp. for workplace retaliation and labor law violations following an investigation that reportedly found the employer unlawfully terminated a care facility worker for reporting workplace violations, such as unsafe working conditions and failing to provide required meal breaks.

Jessica Delgado had worked at the mental healthcare facility for nearly a decade when she reportedly began to notice a decline in conditions following a change in management, including bathrooms left uncleaned, roaches in the kitchen and concerns over resident safety.

After attempts to raise her concerns internally, she informed her employer of her intent to report the violations to the LCO. In response, Ali Baba Corp. reportedly suspended her and soon after terminated her employment, accusing her of making threats against the company.

Delgado filed a retaliation complaint with the LCO. She also reported missed meal breaks.

In November 2024, the LCO cited Ali Baba Corp. and its owner $40,000 in penalties for Delgado’s suspension and termination. When the employer failed to appeal the citations within the required timeframe, the citations became final judgments entered by the superior court.

The LCO subsequently issued bank levies and recovered $40,460, which was paid in full to Delgado.

Topics California