For Immediate Release
October 17, 2018
Contact: Cynthia Santana, Communications Manager, 206-256-5219
Seattle Office of Labor Standards Organizes Training for Residential Painting Contractors After Finding Violations
Seattle – (October 17, 2018) – Recent investigations by the Office of Labor Standards (OLS) uncovered violations of Seattle labor laws in the painting industry. To improve compliance through outreach and education, OLS has offered trainings to the industry group Painters and Decorators Contractors of America (PDCA). The PDCA agreed to host the OLS trainings to ensure that its members are fully informed.
“OLS works hard to educate businesses so that they are not on the receiving end of an enforcement action,” commented OLS Director Martin S. Garfinkel. “When we realized there was a problem among small painting contractors, we decided to help employers make the needed improvements in their labor practices.”
Two recent cases (neither company a PDCA member), both involved immigrant workers and revealed multiples issues. One such company is Phinney Ridge Painting, which settled with OLS for nearly $121,000. In that case, the employer was found to have violated the Wage Theft, Minimum Wage, Paid Sick and Safe Time and Fair Chance Employment ordinances. Under the agreement, 32 workers were reimbursed back wages and interest, plus liquidated damages and other penalties.
In another case, OLS made a formal finding that Danilo’s Painting owed more than $16,000 in back wages and interest to three workers due to its failure to pay overtime and provide rest breaks.
“There were times we couldn’t take lunch or have breaks, and we were told we came to work not rest,” said a worker for Danilo’s. “I would tell workers to look for help because there is help for workers. We aren’t forgotten. You should not have to work for little pay.”
Robert Rahkonen, Business Representative of the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades, District Council 5 expressed the appreciation for OLS’ educational efforts: “It’s good that painting companies are getting proper training on Seattle’s labor standards. There is always a need for additional resources and training for all companies.”
Employer assistance, including free training and other resources can be found on the OLS “For Employers” webpage.
For more information on Seattle labor laws please visit https://www.seattle.gov/laborstandards or call 206-256-5297.
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