Amidst the bustling poultry industry in La Puente and City of Industry, a poignant narrative of unpaid wages and legal strife unfolds, potentially affecting numerous employees across five poultry processing firms. The U.S. Department of Labor, acting as a guardian of labor rights, has unearthed a substantial sum exceeding $3.8 million in back wages and damages awaiting disbursement to the deserving workforce.
At the heart of this narrative lies the figure of Tony Bran, whose alleged failure to honor rightful wages has triggered this legal reckoning. The companies under scrutiny include The Exclusive Poultry, Meza Poultry, Valtierra Poultry, Sullon Poultry, and Nollus’s Poultry. Employees, who might have been shortchanged between the period of August 1, 2020, and September 28, 2023, are urged to connect with the Wage and Hour Division’s West Covina District Office at (626) 732-1070. This outreach aims to ascertain if individuals are entitled to a share of the reclaimed funds.
The quest for justice stems from a pivotal consent judgment secured by the Department of Labor in November 2023. Set in motion within the confines of the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California, this legal maneuver aimed to redress a litany of grievances against Tony Bran and his business entities. Among the accusations leveled were violations of child labor laws, non-payment of stipulated wages, and vindictive actions against employees who dared to collaborate with investigative authorities, resulting in their termination.
Notably, The Exclusive Poultry, a prominent supplier of chicken products, enjoyed partnerships with several high-profile retailers and distributors. ALDI, Grocery Outlet, Nestle Purina, SYSCO Corp., Ralphs Grocery Company, and Royal Canin U.S.A. Inc. were among the entities enmeshed in this intricate supply chain, potentially signaling wider implications for the consumer market.
As the legal wheels turn and the pursuit of justice unfolds, the plight of these poultry workers underscores the enduring struggle for fair treatment and remuneration within the labor landscape.
