Latino Car Wash Workers Sue California Employers

Latino car wash workers at three Santa Monica, Calif., facilities are suing their employers for allegedly refusing to give workers breaks and overtime pay.

In a lawsuit filed Monday, the employees say their rights were violated at the Santa Monica Car Wash and Detailing, Lincoln Millennium Car Wash and Bumble Bee Car Wash.

Employees claim they were often forced to work off the clock without overtime pay resulting in thousands of hours of free labor at each car wash. They also allege the owners required them to buy their own materials.

The suit seeks unpaid wages and a court order prohibiting the car washes from engaging in unlawful labor practices.

Reached by phone, a Millenium car wash employee said the owners were unavailable for comment.

The suit seeks class action status.