May 07, 2025 | JacobiJournal.com – The California Labor Commissioner’s Office has cited Pepperdine University and four janitorial contractors a combined $80,000 for violating state janitorial registration laws, raising concerns about labor compliance practices within higher education institutions.
The Pepperdine labor violations case adds to a growing trend of enforcement actions targeting universities and large employers who fail to vet subcontractors properly. Labor advocates argue that unregistered janitorial firms often escape oversight, exposing workers to wage theft, unsafe conditions, and retaliation. California’s Labor Code Section 1432, enacted to address these very issues, plays a key role in maintaining accountability across contracted labor networks.
This citation also reflects the Labor Commissioner’s continued focus on high-profile institutions, reinforcing that public image does not exempt employers from scrutiny. As universities increasingly rely on outsourced services, compliance with labor registration requirements is becoming a top priority for legal and risk departments across the state.
Unregistered Contractors Trigger Citations
The investigation revealed that Pepperdine hired unregistered janitorial companies, a direct violation of California Labor Code Section 1432, which mandates annual registration for all janitorial employers.
As a result:
- Pepperdine University received a $40,000 citation for contracting with unregistered service providers.
- Each of the four janitorial contractors was fined $10,000, bringing the total penalties to $80,000.
Watchdog Referral Sparked Inquiry
The Maintenance Cooperation Trust Fund, a watchdog organization that monitors janitorial labor practices, referred the case to state authorities. Their referral led to a deeper investigation into Pepperdine’s hiring practices.
The Pepperdine labor violations case reflects a broader pattern observed in recent enforcement actions statewide, where institutions shift to lower-cost vendors without confirming regulatory compliance. Industry experts warn that failing to verify janitorial registration status can result in not only financial penalties but reputational harm—especially for universities expected to uphold high ethical standards. Labor advocates say such oversights enable exploitative working conditions to persist, particularly in sectors where immigrant and low-wage workers are overrepresented.
Companies Operated Across Multiple States
The cited contractors operated both in California and out of state, with locations in:
- Tujunga
- Torrance
- Agoura Hills
- Knoxville, Tennessee
The Labor Commissioner emphasized the importance of maintaining compliance not just within California, but also for companies working across state lines.
For full details, refer to the California Department of Industrial Relations’ Janitorial Registration FAQs.
FAQs: Pepperdine Labor Violations
What laws did Pepperdine violate in the labor investigation?
Pepperdine labor violations stemmed from hiring unregistered janitorial contractors, breaching California Labor Code Section 1432. The law requires janitorial employers to register annually with the state to protect workers from exploitation.
Why were Pepperdine and the contractors fined $80,000?
The Pepperdine labor violations resulted in a $40,000 fine for the university and $10,000 each for four janitorial vendors. These penalties address the use of unregistered service providers, which violates labor registration requirements.
How do Pepperdine labor violations impact other institutions?
Pepperdine labor violations could prompt more audits and stricter enforcement in higher education. Schools contracting with out-of-state vendors must ensure compliance with California labor laws.
What is California Labor Code Section 1432, and why does it matter?
Under California Labor Code Section 1432, all janitorial employers must register annually with the state to operate legally. This law aims to ensure employers meet basic compliance standards and uphold fair labor practices. The Pepperdine labor violations highlight the importance of this registration requirement in protecting vulnerable workers.
What can universities do to avoid labor violations like Pepperdine’s?
To avoid Pepperdine labor violations, universities must conduct due diligence when contracting service vendors. This includes verifying state registration, checking compliance history, and confirming that subcontractors meet all labor law requirements. Proactively reviewing vendor status through California’s labor enforcement portals can help prevent costly citations.
For more updates on university labor law enforcement, compliance cases, and regulatory action across education and employment sectors, subscribe to JacobiJournal.com.
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