Facts

Angel Martinez Guzman, individually and on behalf of the settlement class, brought putative wage-and-hour class action against Freshco Painters, Inc., alleging various Labor Code violations. The class included all persons currently and formerly employed by defendant as non-exempt , hourly-paid employees in California from February 5, 2017, through November 30, 2021. On October 1, 2021, the parties participated in full-day mediation before Nikki Tolt, Esquire, an experienced labor and employment mediator.

PLAINTIFF'S CONTENTIONS: Plaintiff alleged that defendant failed to: pay overtime and minimum wages for all hours worked and recorded, provide compliant meal and rest periods and associated premium payments, issue compliant and accurate itemized wage statements, timely pay all wages due and owing at the time of termination or resignation, and indemnify work-related expenses for its California employees during the relevant time period. Further, plaintiff contended that as a result of these Labor Code violations, defendant engaged in unfair competition.

DEFENDANT'S CONTENTIONS: Defendant denied all contentions.

Result

Freshco Painters, Inc. agreed to pay a non-reversionary $175,000 settlement.