See’s Candies, the beloved San Francisco chocolate maker, has reached a settlement with the California Civil Rights Department (CCRD) after the state alleged the company failed to submit its required annual employee pay‑data report for 2024 and 2025. Under California law, employers with 100 or more workers must file a comprehensive report covering wages, demographics and other workforce information. The program is intended to help businesses identify and correct gender and racial pay gaps.
Settlement terms
As part of the agreement, See’s Candies will pay a civil penalty of $142,800. In addition, the company has pledged to file all future reports on time and to cooperate fully with the CCRD’s oversight efforts. The settlement resolves the state’s allegations without an admission of wrongdoing.
Why the reporting requirement matters
California’s pay‑data reporting law was enacted to promote transparency and encourage employers to conduct self‑assessments of wage disparities. While the state already boasts one of the nation’s lowest gender wage gaps, the CCRD notes that billions of dollars are still lost each year to gender and racial pay inequities. Accurate reporting helps identify those gaps and supports targeted action to close them.
State department’s response
“By helping employers and the state clearly identify the challenge, the pay‑data reporting program can help drive action to address it,” the CCRD said in a statement. The department added that the settlement demonstrates the agency’s commitment to enforcing the law and ensuring that all large employers meet their obligations.
Other recent enforcement actions
The CCRD’s recent activity is not limited to See’s Candies. In 2024, a Burger King franchise and an after‑school program faced similar allegations of failing to file the required pay‑data reports. Those cases underscore the department’s broader effort to hold businesses accountable and protect workers’ rights across the state.
What this means for employees
Any employee who believes they have experienced discrimination is encouraged to contact the CCRD through its complaint process. The department also provides online fact sheets and resources about civil‑rights protections, including guidance on filing discrimination complaints.
Looking ahead
See’s Candies’ settlement serves as a reminder that compliance with state reporting requirements is essential for businesses of all sizes. By meeting these obligations, companies not only avoid penalties but also contribute to a more equitable workplace for California’s diverse workforce.
Original reporting: NBC4 Los Angeles — read the source article.
