If the director issues a final decision that includes a finding that a violator owes unpaid wages or damages, and the finding is not appealed or is affirmed by the courts, the finding and the decision are res judicata in any action by the department, or by any other person who was a plaintiff at the hearing, against the violator and its surety to recover the unpaid wages or damages. The finding and decision are not res judicata in any action by a person who was not a party at the hearing.