Facts

On March 15, 2022, Jose Antonio Lopez, on behalf of himself and all others similarly situated, brought a class action against T.L.S. Parts Inc. dba Benzeen Auto Parts (Benzeen), alleging various wage and hour violations. The class included all persons employed by Benzeen and worked as non-exempt employees in California at any time from March 15, 2018, through June 30, 2023. Defendant represented that the class members worked approximately 8,200 workweeks during the class period.

PLAINTIFF'S CONTENTIONS: Plaintiff alleged that defendant failed to: pay all wages owed, including applicable minimum and overtime wages, pay all wages owed during and at separation of employment, authorize and permit uninterrupted rest breaks, provide uninterrupted meal periods, reimburse for necessary business expenses, and provide timely accurate itemized wage statements for its California employees during the class period. Further, plaintiff alleged that defendant engaged in unfair business practices in violation of the California Business & Professions Code.

DEFENDANT'S CONTENTIONS: Defendant denied all contentions.

Settlement Discussions

On March 27, 2023, the parties participated in an all-day mediation presided over by Deborah Saxe, Esq., of JAMS, which led to a settlement agreement.

Result

T.L.S. Parts Inc. agreed to pay $225,000 to settle the case.