7 Women’s Clothing Workers to Get Back Wages

The owner of a garment shop, spurred by a court order, has agreed to pay $25,000 in back wages to seven employees, the U.S. Department of Labor said Tuesday.

Tuan Van (Richard) Pham, the owner of Richard’s Fashions at 9371 Kramer St., says he will make the restitution, Labor Department spokesman Tino Serrano said. The company assembles women clothes and sells them nationwide.

According to the Federal Court complaint filed in August, the company paid workers a low “piece rate” which resulted in wages less than the national minimum of $4.25 per hour.

“The company also failed to pay overtime wages . . . and allowed employees to work from their homes,” Serrano said. “It’s just illegal to make women’s clothing at home and to sell them.”

Tuan Van Pham could not be reached for comment.