Efforts to recover from an arson fire that destroyed four Palm Desert businesses are ongoing for their owners. Some employees are concerned about what the future holds for them, particularly those who have not been paid for their last pay period.
One such employee, Mary Saucedo, worked at D’Coffee Bouteaque until the fire. She is worried about her financial situation and does not know how she will be able to pay her bills on time. Despite reaching out to the business owner for comment, News Channel 3 has not received a response.
On the other hand, Papa Dan’s Pizza and Pasta owner Ira Mosley has been struggling to keep up with payroll during these challenging times. He has been covering all costs out of pocket, hoping that insurance will eventually reimburse him. Mosley expressed his concern for his long-term employees, some of whom he has worked with for 35 years. He understands that finding work in the desert during the slower summer months can be difficult and does not want to lose his staff.
In an effort to support his employees during this difficult time, Mosley has started a GoFundMe campaign. He is also abiding by both federal and California labor laws, ensuring that his employees receive their rightful pay. Under federal law, employers must pay 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