Facts

Bryan Hicks, individually, and on behalf of other members of the general public similarly situated, brought a putative class and Private Attorney General Act action against California Water Service, alleging various Labor Code violations. The class included all current and former hourly non-exempt California Water Service employees who worked for California Water Service in California from February 23, 2017, through August 8, 2022. California Water Service estimated that there were approximately 1,040 class members.

PLAINTIFF'S CONTENTIONS: Plaintiff contended that defendant failed to: pay all wages timely during employment and upon separation of employment, pay minimum and overtime wages, pay rest break premiums at the regular rate of pay, provide complete and accurate wage statements, maintain accurate and complete payroll records showing hours worked daily, and reimburse and indemnify employees for losses and expenditures for its California employees during the relevant time period.

DEFENDANT'S CONTENTIONS: Defendant denied all contentions.

Settlement Discussions

On February 23, 2022, the parties participated in an all-day virtual mediation session with experienced professional mediator, Jeffrey Krivis, Esq.

Result

California Water Service agreed to pay $2,150,000 to settle the case.