Facts

From July 24, 2017 through September 22, 2023, David Melgoza worked for Ecology Recycling Services LLC. On August 9, 2022, Melgoza filed a wage-and-hour class and representative complaint in San Bernardino Superior, seeking to represent non-exempt, hourly employees who worked from August 9, 2018 to December 19, 2023. He later amended his complaint to include a claim for civil penalties under the Private Attorneys General Act.

PLAINTIFF'S CONTENTIONS: Plaintiff asserted violations related to: meal periods; rest breaks; overtime; wage timeliness; final pay; maintenance of required records; accurate, itemized statements; and reimbursements.

DEFENDANT'S CONTENTIONS: Defendant denied all material contentions.

Settlement Discussions

On September 20, 2023, the parties engaged in mediation with Tripper Ortman, and a mediator's proposal was accepted with the long-form Settlement Agreement being entered by late October 2023.

Result

Though defendant admitted no wrongdoing or liability, it agreed to pay $900,000 to settle class members' and PAGA claims.