Dep't of Indus. Relations v. UI Video Stores, Inc.
Opinion
Opinion
Dossee, J.
The Division of Labor Standards Enforcement (DLSE) appeals from a summary judgment entered in favor of UI Video Stores, Inc., doing business as Blockbuster Video (Blockbuster). The issues presented are whether the DLSE has the authority to negotiate checks made out to employees for wages due from Blockbuster and whether settlement of an action against Blockbuster allowed it to retain the funds owed to employees that were not located. We determine that the trial court erred in entering judgment in favor of Blockbuster, in that the legal issues submitted to the court on undisputed facts must be resolved in favor of the DLSE, and reverse.
Background
“The Division of Labor Standards Enforcement ... is charged with enforcing Labor Code provisions (§1171 et seq.) and Industrial Welfare Commission (Commission) orders governing wage, hour, and working conditions of California employees. (§ 61.)” (Craib v. Bulmash (1989) 49 Cal.3d 475, 478 [ 261 Cal.Rptr. 686 , 111 P.2d 1120 ], fn. omitted.) In July of 1992, as the result of an investigation, the DLSE filed a complaint against Blockbuster seeking reimbursement to approximately 1,914 employees for the cost of uniforms which…