Filipinos Among 144 Caregivers to Benefit from $4.4M California Labor Case

CANVA

LOS ANGELES - Filipinos are among the 144 caregivers who stand to receive compensation after California labor authorities penalized a home care agency more than $4.4 million for labor violations involving worker misclassification.

The California Labor Commissioner’s Office (LCO) cited Hart Placement Agency Inc., based in Canoga Park, along with its owners Annie Ghaw and Hartmann Ghaw, for misclassifying caregivers as independent contractors. Of the total $4,423,450 in penalties, $4,266,450 is expected to go directly to affected workers, including several Filipino caregivers.

Investigators found that the agency denied workers essential labor protections such as proper wage statements and paid sick leave. Caregivers were also required to set up their own businesses, obtain permits, and sign independent contractor agreements even as the company maintained control over their schedules, duties, and compensation.

Some workers, including Filipinos, were allegedly instructed to falsify timesheets to conceal long shifts that extended beyond 12 or even 24 hours. Others reported not receiving pay stubs or required labor notices.

The violations occurred between October 2022 and December 2024. The investigation was launched after a referral from the Pilipino Workers Center of Southern California, which helped identify witnesses and support affected workers.

California Labor Commissioner Lilia García-Brower said caregivers perform essential and demanding work and should not be deprived of basic rights.

Officials say the case highlights the vulnerability of workers in low-wage industries particularly immigrants, including many Filipinos and underscores the state’s continued push to combat labor exploitation.

Hart Placement Agency has appealed the citations, and a hearing date is pending.