Facts

In August 2008, a class of network support personnel for Apple Inc. sued their employer alleging violations of the Fair Labor Standards Act and California Labor Code. The lead plaintiffs were network engineers David Walsh and David Kalua. The complaint alleged that Apple forced employees to work mandatory overtime, without paying overtime. The complaint further alleged that Apple failed to provide paid meal and rest breaks and final pay when due. Plaintiffs also claimed that Apple failed to provide accurate itemized statements for hours worked.

PLAINTIFFS' CONTENTIONS:
Plaintiffs contended that Apple deliberately misclassified its workers as exempt from overtime pay and that Apple created numerous job levels and titles to make it appear that hundreds of jobs were unique and classified as exempt. Plaintiffs further contended that Apple's network support jobs should be classified as non-exempt due to the nature of the job being repetitive, involving manual labor within a defined skill set, and adherence to strict protocol.

Damages

The class sought recovery of past wages due and penalties.

Result

The parties agreed to settle the matter for $990,000, inclusive of settlement awards, named plaintiffs' awards, fees, costs, and a PAGA payment.