Facts

Jon Wood is a former employee for 2018HMO LLC dba Hikei Modern Cannabis. On December 20, 2021, Wood, individually and on behalf of all others similarly situated, brought a class action against 2018HMO LLC and 2018HMPF LLC, alleging various wage and hour violations. The class included all persons employed by defendants or defendants' affiliated or related entities in California and classified as hourly non-exempt employees who worked from December 20, 2017, through September 27, 2022. On May 24, 2022, the parties participated in an all-day mediation presided over by the Honorable Joan M. Lewis. Defendants estimated that as of the date of the settlement agreement, there were 192 class members and 7,896 total workweeks during the class period.

PLAINTIFF'S CONTENTIONS: Plaintiff alleged that defendants failed to: pay overtime wages, pay minimum wages, timely pay wages due upon termination, reimburse necessary business expenses, provide compliant meal periods and rest breaks, and provide accurate itemized wage statements for its California employees during the relevant time period. Further, plaintiff contended that defendants engaged in violations of the unfair competition law. Finally, plaintiff sought penalties for these violations under the California Private Attorney General Act.

DEFENDANTS' CONTENTIONS: Defendants denied all contentions.

Result

Defendants agreed to pay $350,000 to settle all claims.