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Employment Law
Wage and Hour
Meal and Rest Periods

Thomas Contreras, as an individual and on behalf of all similarly situted employees v. Riley Electric Inc., and Does 1 through 50, inclusive

Published: Nov. 17, 2023 | Result Date: Jul. 26, 2023 | Filing Date: Nov. 17, 2021 |

Case number: CIVSB2132328 Settlement –  $100,000

Judge

David S. Cohn

Court

San Bernardino County Superior Court


Attorneys

Plaintiff

Katherine J. Odenbreit
(Mahoney Law Group APC)

Laura A. Theriault
(Mahoney Law Group APC)


Defendant

Michael B. Mellema
(Parker, Milliken, Clark, O'Hara & Samuelian)

Edzyl J. Magante
(Parker, Milliken, Clark, O'Hara & Samuelian)

Cynthia D. Hafif-Stonehouse
(Hafif-Stonehouse Law Group)

Michael J. Huber
(Hafif-Stonehouse Law Group)


Facts

Thomas Contreras was employed as a non-exempt, hourly worker by Riley Electric, Inc. On November 17, 2021, Contreras filed suit on behalf of himself and all other similarly situated employees against Riley Electric.

Contentions

PLAINTIFF'S CONTENTIONS: The plaintiff contended that Riley failed to pay all wages due; failed to provide meal periods and rest breaks; failed to issue accurate itemized wage statements; failed to reimburse necessary business expenses; and failed to pay all wages due upon separation from employment. The plaintiff also contended that the defendant had violated the unfair competition law.

DEFENDANT'S CONTENTIONS: The defendant denied any wrongdoing or liability and all the plaintiff's material allegations.

Settlement Discussions

On November 21, 2022, the parties took part in a mediation session with Steve Pearl, which led to their eventual settlement agreement.

Result

The parties reached an agreement wherein the defendant admitted no wrongdoing or liability but agreed to pay $100,000 to settle class members' claims.


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