Facts

Rancho Gordo, Inc. is a purveyor and national distributor of heirloom beans located in Napa, California. It's warehouse production and shipping operation rely significantly on temporary workers--at times more than half of its total employees are classified as temporary. To fill this business need, Rancho Gordo contracted with Palkar, Inc. dba Alkar Human Resources ("Alkar") beginning in 2016 to provide temporary staffing services. Since 2020 and after the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, the company more than doubled in size.

Plaintiff Martha Martinez was hired by Rancho Gordo on Nov. 15, 2019 as a shipping clerk from Alkar. Plaintiff was the first and only temporary employee assigned to shipping during her employment. Shipping Supervisor Adriana Barajas directly supervised plaintiff along with two other shipping clerks. Adriana Barajas reported to Warehouse Supervisor Mayra Barajas, who also happens to be her sister, about the work pace of the shipping line. Mayra Barajas reported to Director of Operations Justin Lucero. Mayra and Justin Lucero jointly managed temporary staffing levels based on business orders. Under Mayra and Adriana Barajas watch and with their participation.

Plaintiff learned that she was pregnant on Feb. 12, 2020. She shared the news with Adriana Barajas and other shipping clerks that same day. In the early morning of Feb. 14, 2020, plaintiff reported to Mayra Barajas that she could not report to work because her father-in-law was in the hospital. In response, Mayra Barajas told her not to come back to work and terminated her assignment effective that same day: Feb. 14, 2020.

On Feb. 17, the workday following her termination, plaintiff complained to Rancho Gordo that she believed the decision was because of her pregnancy. She also met with Alkar on Feb. 18, 2020 to make a similar report of pregnancy discrimination. She asked them to fix the issue. Alkar communicated plaintiff's complaint to Rancho Gordo and inquired about their reason for her termination.

Plaintiff brought this action based on pregnancy discrimination and retaliation. Martinez and Alkar reached a confidential settlement before trial. Additionally, Defendant Palkar, Inc. settled their portion of the case before.

DEFENDANT'S CONTENTIONS: Defendant claimed that the dismissal was for legitimate business reasons, namely the business slowdown after Christmas.

Settlement Discussions

Plaintiff made a CCP 998 demand for $75,000 plus attorney fees. Defendants submitted a CCP 998 offer at $30,001.

Specials in Evidence

Loe: $15,566 Future Meds: $86,400

Injuries

Plaintiff claimed emotional distress and wage loss.

Result

Verdict of $251,966 for plaintiff.

Other Information

Judgment entered May 31, 2023 on a Motion for Directed Verdict by Defendant Rancho Gordo, partially denied but sustaining the verdict award. Memorandum of Costs and Motion for Attorney Fees and Costs forthcoming.

Deliberation

four days

Poll

8-3

Length

10 days