Irezumi Restaurant, Owner: Anton Pozniak Withholding Employee Paychecks Costa Mesa California

I am a concerned Parent and I understand Mr. Pozniak (owner of Irezumi Sushi Lounge, Costa Mesa) has not paid his employees -- for some, they are behind two paychecks. These are young kids, some recent college grads that need this money to pay rent, car payments, utilities, gas and food. I don't believe young people should be taken advantage of and being young, they do not really know how to stand up for themselves. They are not going to make a big deal about this because they need the job - especially in this economy and times - but they should not have to be working for someone and not being paid, they should not have to worry that they will not make rent, get bad credit points for not paying bills and not having anything to eat. This situation is against the law and Mr. Pozniak should be ashamed of himself. The buck stops with him, not with his store managers and staff.

I wanted to register this complaint because I understand that Irezumi has been closed recently (Sept2008) and attention has been put on a second restaurant in Costa Mesa..it may have been or still is: Blancas. I also understand that he has brought most of his staff from Irezumi to Blancas AND he is hiring more. I understand that business is not good and they are not getting anyone into the restaurant. Still, the employees are not getting paid and being told by management that some of the managers have not been paid for months!

I am trying to get company info to directly contact Mr. Pozniak. Lucky for him it is not one of my children working for his company. I will be contacting the California State Labor Dept, the local OC media and any other avenue available to get the word out on this situation and see that it gets investigated and resolved.

In the meantime, I will be making sure that at least the young employees I am acquainted with have food for the month (Sept2008) and help them with rent. I'm sure that Mr. Pozniak and his family are being well provided with money for mortgage payments, car payments, food, gas and utilities.

If anyone has contact info on Mr. Pozniak or the MOR Project....I would appreciate receiving any and all info. You do not want to work for anyone or any company that can not make its payroll. Thank You.

Concerned parent
Milpitas, California
U.S.A.