The recovery efforts for four Palm Desert businesses lost in an arson fire earlier this month are ongoing. While some employees are hopeful about their future, others are worried.
One employee, Mary Saucedo, who worked at D’Coffee Bouteaque up until the fire, is anxious about her financial situation. She has not been paid for her last pay period and is unsure how she will be able to pay her bills on time. Despite reaching out to the owner of the business for comment, News Channel 3 has not received a response.
On the other hand, Ira Mosley, the owner of Papa Dan’s Pizza and Pasta, expressed his concern for his long-term employees. He understands that finding work in the desert during the slower summer months can be difficult and does not want to lose his staff. Despite covering all costs out of pocket, hoping that the insurance company will eventually reimburse him, Mosley is abiding by both federal and California labor laws to ensure that his employees receive their rightful pay.
Mosley hopes to reopen by October in the same shopping center they were in before. In an effort to support his employees during this difficult time, he has started a GoFundMe campaign. As plans are being made to relocate to a new location, it is important for those affected by this disaster to stay informed and seek assistance if needed.
Under federal labor law, employers must pay their workers regular wages for hours worked before a disaster as well as any overtime at the appropriate rate. Additionally, California labor law mandates that employees must be paid at least twice each month on designated paydays.
For more information on this ongoing situation and how you can help support these affected individuals and businesses, tune in to News Channel 3 at 6:00 p.m., where we will provide a comprehensive report on this developing story.