Employment Class Actions

What is an employment class action?

An employment class action occurs when an individual or group of individuals come together to sue their employer or former employer on behalf of all similarly situated employees subject to the same or similar labor law violations and/or discriminatory policies or practices. The class action mechanism allows employees who were subjected to these illegal practices and were adversely impacted by their employer’s illegal conduct to hold that employer responsible for that illegal conduct. By banding together, employees can efficiently and effectively vindicate their rights and receive the compensation they deserve under the law.

Our firm has substantial experience representing employees in employment class action cases, including:

• Wage and Hour Class Action on behalf of over 3,000 automobile dealership employees: $6,500,000

• Wage and Hour Class Action on behalf of automobile technicians: $4,035,600

• Wage and Hour Class Action on behalf of healthcare company employees: $3,150,000

• Wage and Hour Class Action on behalf of around 700 restaurant workers. $1,900,000

• Wage and Hour Class Action on behalf of diagnostic imaging technicians: $1,300,000

• Wage and Hour Class Action on behalf of over 500 automobile dealership employees: $1,200,000

• Wage and Hour Class Action on behalf of 150 restaurant employees: $1,000,000

What Is PAGA?

PAGA stands for the Private Attorneys General Act. It is a California law that allows employees to sue their employers for labor code violations on behalf of themselves and all other aggrieved employees. PAGA provides for monetary penalties which employers have to pay for labor code violations on a per pay period basis. These penalties can add up. They are paid out 75% to the State of California and 25% to the aggrieved employees. While a PAGA action is not a class action, it is a representative action in which the employee who brings the case represents the state of California and their fellow aggrieved employees. PAGA actions and class actions may be prosecuted through the same lawsuit. Serving as a PAGA representative can put substantial pressure on an employer to treat its employees fairly, follow the law, and compensate their employees either in the first instance or after the allegations are raised in court.

Practice Areas

Our firm handles a wide range of employment class action cases, including but not limited to:

1. Wage and Hour Violations: Wage theft is a large problem for employees across the United States. We assist employees who have suffered every means of an employer attempting to underpay their employees. When an employer doesn’t pay employees for the work they perform under the law, it is wage theft and must be prosecuted to ensure the employer does not abscond with the money they owe their workers.

From unpaid wages, failure to pay minimum wage, overtime violations, missed meal and rest breaks, failure to pay premium pay for non-provided meal and rest breaks, failure to pay tips intended for employees, failure to compensate employees for necessary business expenses, misclassifying employees as exempt when they are actually non-exempt, and other wage-related violations, our firm has experience ensuring those stolen wages are returned to their rightful owners, the workers.

2. Discrimination and Harassment: Our dedicated team advocates for employees facing discrimination or harassment based on age, race, gender, disability, sexual orientation, religion, pregnancy, and other protected characteristics, whether individually or on a collective basis.

Why pursue a class action?

Employment class action lawsuits provide several advantages for employees seeking justice and compensation for their employer’s illegal policies and practices:

• Strength in Numbers: By joining others who have similar claims, employees can amplify their voices and increase their chances of success.

• Efficiency and Cost-Effectiveness: Class actions streamline the legal process, reducing individual costs and allowing employees to share expenses, resources, and legal representation. Class cases are generally prosecuted on a contingency basis so the employees do not pay anything unless or until they receive compensation.

• Maximized Recovery: Successful class actions can result in significant financial compensation and, in some cases, changes in company policies and practices.

Why Choose Us?

1. Experience: Our team of employment attorneys have a proven track record of success, representing consumers in class action lawsuits. We have the skills and expertise to handle even the most complex cases.

2. Client-Centric Approach: We prioritize our client's needs and interests, providing individualized attention and support throughout the process so you understand the litigation process every step of the way.

3. Comprehensive Legal Knowledge: Our team of experienced employment class action attorneys is well-versed in consumer protection laws and regulations, particularly here in California which has some of the most protective laws in the country. We keep ourselves apprised of the latest developments, enabling us to provide our consumer class action clients the best representation possible.

4. Proactive Communication: We understand the importance of clear and timely communication. Our team keeps our clients informed at every stage of the process, answering client and class member questions whenever and however they arise.

When it comes to protecting employees' rights in class action lawsuits, choosing the right law firm is critical. With our experience and thoughtful client-centric approach, we are confident in our ability to obtain the best possible results for our clients.

If you believe you and your peers have experienced wage theft or discriminatory practices, we encourage you to contact us and speak with one of our employment class action attorneys to discuss your next steps.

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