Facts

Mayra Alvarez worked as Los Angeles city council member Jose Huizar's executive assistant. Alvarez resigned from her position and eventually sued Huizar and the city of Los Angeles for for various employment claims.

PLAINTIFF'S CONTENTIONS: Plaintiff contended that defendants retaliated against her after plaintiff reported Huizar's preferential treatment towards a co-worker he was having an affair with. Plaintiff also contended that she was demoted to a lower position following her maternity leave and was constructively terminated by the treatment she received from defendants. Plaintiff contended that defendant's conduct violated the Fair Employment and Housing Act as well as Labor Code provisions.

DEFENDANTS' CONTENTIONS: Following meet and confer with Defendants, Plaintiff voluntarily dismissed her causes of action for wrongful termination and whistleblower retaliation under the Labor Code. Defendant City of Los Angeles contended that Plaintiff was promoted, not demoted, and any decision to change her duties was based on the changed needs of the office. Plaintiff voluntarily resigned within weeks of returning from maternity leave, having already secured another job, and therefore suffered no damages.

Result

The City agreed to pay plaintiff $150,000 on defendant's behalf to settle the claims before trial.