California Labor Commissioner cites university and janitorial contractors for violations
Los Angeles—The California Labor Commissioner’s Office (LCO) has cited Pepperdine University and four janitorial contractors $80,000 for failing to comply with state requirements for janitorial employers. The citations were issued after an investigation determined that the university had hired multiple janitorial companies that were not properly registered to legally operate in California.
What California Labor Commissioner Lilia García-Brower said: “Entities that contract for janitorial services are legally responsible for ensuring that the contractors they hire comply with the law. The Janitorial Registration Program requires janitorial employers to register annually with the state. This program is a critical tool for protecting workers, ensuring legal compliance, and upholding basic labor standards.”
The investigation began following a referral from the Maintenance Cooperation Trust Fund (MCTF), a statewide watchdog organization dedicated to eliminating illegal and unfair business practices in California’s janitorial industry. LCO investigators discovered that, although Pepperdine University had previously hired registered janitorial contractors, the university later switched to using companies that were not properly registered as required by state law.
Pepperdine University was fined the maximum penalty of $10,000 per violation for contracting with four former unregistered janitorial employers, totaling $40,000 in penalties under Labor Code section 1432(b). Each of the unregistered contractors were also cited $10,000 under Labor Code section 1432(a) for operating without registration.
The janitorial contractors cited are:
- WFF Facility Services LLC, dba HES Facilities Management – Knoxville, TN
- TM Janitorial Services, Inc. – Tujunga, CA
- Lyncroft Advisors, Inc. – Torrance, CA
- Supreme Facilities Services LLC – Agoura Hills, CA
Background on the Janitorial Registration Program
Established under the Property Service Workers Protection Act, the Janitorial Registration Program requires janitorial employers in California to register annually with the Labor Commissioner’s Office. Employers must also provide in-person sexual violence and harassment prevention training every two years to both supervisory and non-supervisory staff. These measures aim to protect workers, raise labor standards, and promote fair competition in the janitorial industry.
About the Labor Commissioner’s Office
Within the Department of Industrial Relations, the Division of Labor Standards Enforcement (California Labor Commissioner’s Office) combats wage theft and unfair competition by investigating allegations of illegal and unfair business practices.
In 2020, the LCO launched a multi-pronged outreach campaign, “Reaching Every Californian.” The campaign amplifies basic protections and builds pathways to affected populations, so workers and employers understand legal protections and obligations, as well as the Labor Commissioner’s enforcement procedures.
Workers who have questions about labor laws enforced by the LCO can call 1-833-LCO-INFO (833-526-4636) between the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Californians can follow the Labor Commissioner on Facebook and X (Twitter).
Employers with Questions on Requirements May Contact: MakeItFair@dir.ca.gov
Media Contact: Communications@dir.ca.gov, (510) 286-1161