Urasawa, one of the most reputable sushi restaurants in Los Angeles, is under investigation for claims that it didn't allow workers to take bathroom breaks or pay them overtime wages, according to Zagat's blog.

The California Department of Labor is investigating head chef and owner Hiroyuki Urasawa, after former employees alleged that he never paid them upwards of $10,000 in overtime wages. Furthermore, one former worker told The New York Times that he was forced to urinate into a mop bucket because workers were kept from taking breaks to ensure an extremely high standard of customer service.

According to the Times, an ex-employee of five years, Heriberto Zamora, began working as a dishwasher and was promoted to a fish preparer, earning $9 per hour. He reported being forced to buy a $700 set of knives to continue working in the position. Eventually, Zamora began working 60 hours at an hourly wage $11.50, and was fired after asking to go home sick. This investigation is a symptom of a widespread problem among immigrant restaurant workers.

The Times cited a 2009 study by the Labor Center at the University of California, Los Angeles, which found that there was a weekly average of $26 million in wage violations in Los Angeles. These cases highlight the need for compliance with time and attendance, especially with restaurant workers.

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