LABOR

Workers Rights Groups Win Ruling Against State: Worker and immigrant advocacy groups won a court ruling that they say will help thousands of employees in California collect more back wages from employers who have illegally underpaid them. The San Francisco Superior Court ruling requires the state labor commissioner’s office, which handles complaints filed in wage disputes, to push back the time period for which workers are eligible to collect back pay. Interim Labor Commissioner Jose Millan, arguing that the existing procedure has encouraged more employees and employers to reach settlements in overtime, minimum wage and other pay disputes, said the state is considering whether to appeal.