Facts

On November 18, 2020, Andrew Zubia filed a class and representative action against his former employer, Procter & Gamble Company in Los Angeles Superior. The following year, on May 5, Dana Ganal filed a class action in Riverside Superior also against Procter & Gamble. Later, several other actions--Christian Hernandez in Riverside Superior and Michael Woods in Sacramento Superior--were later consolidated.

PLAINTIFFS' CONTENTIONS: Plaintiff asserted several wage-and-hour claims against defendant, including: failure to pay minimum, regular and/or overtime wages; failure to provide or pay premiums for meal and/or rest periods; failure to reimburse business expenses; failure to provide complete and accurate wage statements; failure to pay wages on termination; failure to maintain temperature providing reasonable comfort; failure to pay wages weekly; and violations of California Business and Professions codes. Plaintiffs also sought penalties for those violations under PAGA.

DEFENDANT'S CONTENTIONS: Defendant denied the allegations, any failure to comply with the laws, and any and all liability for the contended causes of action.

Settlement Discussions

On March 30, 2022, the parties participated in an all-day mediation presided over by retired judge Carl West. Discussions and negotiation continued thereafter until around November 18, 2022, when an agreement was entered into.

Result

Defendant agreed to pay $3.75 million as the gross settlement amount.