Facts

Sandro Rodriguez, on behalf of himself and all others similarly situated, brought a putative class action against Mitsubishi Chemical Carbon Fiber and Composites Inc., Mitsubishi Chemical Holdings America Inc., and Mitsubishi Chemical America Inc., alleging various wage-and-hour violations. The class included all current and former non-exempt employees who worked for defendants in California during the period December 23, 2018, through October 1, 2022.

PLAINTIFF'S CONTENTIONS: Plaintiff alleged that defendants failed to: pay all wages due for off-the-clock work, provide compliant meal periods and pay missed meal period wages, provide compliant rest periods and pay missed rest period wages, reimburse for business expenses, pay vacation wages, provide safety devices, furnish in a timely manner accurate itemized wage statements, and pay wages at the time of termination for its California non-exempt employees during the relevant time period. Further, plaintiff contended that defendants engaged in unfair, unlawful, or fraudulent business practices that allowed defendants to gain an advantage over competitors in violation of the California Business & Professions Code.

DEFENDANTS' CONTENTIONS: Defendants denied all contentions.

Settlement Discussions

The parties participated in early mediation with well-respected private mediator, the Honorable Jay Ghandi (Retired), before reaching an agreement.

Result

Defendants agreed to pay a non-reversionary $800,000 settlement.