Tala Enterprise Broken Promises

The new year began with the promise of new jobs in the Coachella Valley, when a new clothing manufacturer opened its doors, in Thousand Palms. Tala Enterprise planned to eventually employ hundreds of people Now, employees say they aren’t getting paid and the owner isn’t living up to her promise.

On January 3rd, Tala Enterprise opened its doors and put around 30 people to work, including Manuel Flores, who tells us, “I was operating an overlock sewing machine.”

At the time, owner Liat Tala, hoped to eventually hire 400 employees. But, soon some employees started to quit and others started asking questions.Flores says people were asking, “Hey, she give me my check. Did your check bounce? You clear your check, right?”

Isabel Saenz worked as a supervisor, with high hopes for the future. She says, “When I first start, I heard other people talking about it, their checks. I feel bad because I was so excited with this job, because it’s what I like to do and after the first check bounced, everything goes wrong.”

Manuel and Isabel tell us they received post-dated checks and Tala told them not to cash them at the bank, but at Jerry’s Market, on Ramon Road. News Channel 3’s Tamara Damante spoke with the market’s owner, Jerry Jaber. Tamara: “Did Liat make a deal with you?” Jerry: “No. I don’t want to comment on this please. She’s a good lady and a business lady. I hope the best for her and her employees, but I’m not cashing the checks anymore.” Tamara: “When did you stop?” Jerry: “Two weeks ago.” Tamara: “How come?” Jerry: “Just no money. Banks not taking checks no more.”

That left employees like Isabel and Manuel hundreds of dollars, in the red. Isabel tells us, “One time all the people were waiting for her in the morning to have an explanation about the checks, because all the checks and she just got there, with a real bad attitude yelling to us and I say what is wrong with this person why is she treating people like that?”

We wanted to get Liat Tala’s side of the story and here’s what happened:

Tamara: “I’m Tamara, from News Channel 3. We have some statements from employees who say they can’t cash their checks. Would you like to comment? They say you’re writing bad checks.” Liat: “That is not correct. All the employees are receiving correct compensation.” Tamara: “What would you like to say to the employees that say they haven’t?” Liat: “They should contact us directly.” Tamara: “They say that they have.” Liat: “They have not.” Tamara: “But they say they have contacted you.” Liat: “They have not. And in the future, I think the appropriate thing to do is to let me know in advance before you come here.” Tamara: “Anything else you’d like to say?” Liat: “Sure, to get in touch with me. I’d be more than happy to speak to them.” Tamara: “How’s business going?” Liat: “Very well, thank you.” Tamara: “Thank you.” Liat: “Go f**k yourself!”

Later, we learned a problem in Washington held up $200,000.00, in grant money. We’re told the check will be in the mail soon.

The Coachella Valley Economic partnership and local politicians, like Congresswoman Mary Bono Mack, supported Tala Enterprise. Bono-Mack issued this statement, “It’s an unfortunate situation, and I hope it gets worked out soon. But it also shows how tough it is for small manufacturers to succeed, especially in a tough economy. I’m going to keep working hard to bring new jobs to our area.”