Williams v. U.S. Bank National Association
Filing
83
STIPULATION and ORDER ALLOWING PLAINTIFF TO FILE AMENDED COMPLAINT signed by Judge Lawrence K. Karlton on 11/15/2013. Plaintiff may have leave to file her First Amended Complaint, attached as Exhibit A. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A)(Zignago, K.)
Case 2:12-cv-01907-LKK-EFB Document 81-1 Filed 11/08/13 Page 1 of 28
EXHIBIT A
Case 2:12-cv-01907-LKK-EFB Document 81-1 Filed 11/08/13 Page 2 of 28
1
2
3
4
5
6
Matthew C. Helland, CA State Bar No. 250451
Helland@nka.com
NICHOLS KASTER, LLP
One Embarcadero Center, Suite 720
San Francisco, CA 94111
Telephone: (415) 277-7235
Facsimile: (415) 277-7238
Attorneys for Plaintiff and those similarly situated
7
IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
EASTERN DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA
8
9
10
11
12
KAREN WILLIAMS, SANDRA ADAMS,
LISA CRAWFORD, DEBRA DUDLEY,
KENNETH FREESTONE, CONNIE LEITING,
MARIO MORA, JAMIE NOONAN-SILVA,
and KIMBERLY SEYMOUR individually and
on behalf of all others similarly situated,
Plaintiff,
13
14
15
v.
U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION
and DOES 1-50, inclusive,
16
17
Defendants.
Case No.: 2:12-cv-01907-LKK-EFB
FIRST AMENDED COLLECTIVE
ACTION COMPLAINT
(1) Failure to Pay Overtime Compensation
in Violation of the Fair Labor Standards
Act (29 U.S.C. § 201, et seq.)
(2) Failure to Pay Overtime Compensation
in Violation of California Law (Cal. Lab.
Code §§ 510, 1194, and 1198, and IWC
Wage Order(s))
(3) Waiting Time Penalties (Cal. Lab.
Code §§ 201-203)
18
19
20
21
(4) Failure to Provide Itemized Wage
Statements (Cal. Lab. Code § 226)
(5) Failure to Provide and/or Authorize
Meal and Rest Periods (Cal. Lab. Code §
226.7)
22
23
24
(6) Violation of California Business and
Professions Code §§ 17200 et seq.
DEMAND FOR JURY TRIAL
25
26
27
28
FIRST AMENDED COLLECTIVE ACTION COMPLAINT
Case 2:12-cv-01907-LKK-EFB Document 81-1 Filed 11/08/13 Page 3 of 28
1
Plaintiffs Karen Williams, Sandra Adams, Lisa Crawford, Debra Dudley, Kenneth
2
Freestone, Connie Leiting, Mario Mora, Jamie Noonan-Silva, and Kimberly Seymour
3
(“Plaintiffs”), on their own behalf and on behalf of all similarly situated individuals, by and
4
through her attorneys Nichols Kaster, LLP, brings this action against Defendant U.S. Bank
5
National Association (“Defendant”), and certain Doe Defendants, for damages and other relief
6
relating to violations of the Fair Labor Standards Act (“FLSA”), 29 U.S.C. § 201 et seq and
7
California Wage and Hour law.
8
9
JURISDICTION AND VENUE
1.
This Court has jurisdiction to hear this Complaint and to adjudicate the claims
10
stated herein under 28 U.S.C. § 1331 because this case is brought under the Fair Labor Standards
11
Act, 29 U.S.C. § 201 et seq. This Court also has supplemental jurisdiction over the California
12
state law claims pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 1367.
13
2.
Venue is proper in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of
14
California pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 1391 because Defendant operates in this district, and because a
15
substantial part of the events or omissions giving rise to the claims occurred in this district.
16
Pursuant to L.R. 120, this action is properly assigned to the Sacramento Division of the Eastern
17
District of California because a substantial portion of the events or omissions giving rise to the
18
claims occurred in Placer County, California.
19
20
THE PARTIES
3.
Plaintiff Karen Williams is an individual residing in Rancho Cordova, California
21
(Sacramento County). Plaintiff Williams was employed by Defendant from approximately
22
September 2010 to April 2011 as a mortgage underwriter in Defendant’s Roseville, California
23
office (Placer County).
24
4.
Plaintiff Sandra Adams is an individual residing in Cameron Park, California.
25
Plaintiff Adams has been employed by Defendant since approximately 2011, and was previously
26
employed by Defendant from approximately February 2008 to 2010 as a mortgage underwriter in
27
Defendant’s Roseville, California office (Placer County).
28
5.
Plaintiff Lisa Crawford is an individual residing in Tustin, California. Plaintiff
-2FIRST AMENDED COLLECTIVE ACTION COMPLAINT
Case 2:12-cv-01907-LKK-EFB Document 81-1 Filed 11/08/13 Page 4 of 28
1
Crawford was employed by Defendant from approximately November 2008 to December 2011 as
2
a mortgage underwriter in Defendant’s Los Alamitos, California office (Orange County).
3
6.
Plaintiff Debra Dudley is an individual residing in Marina, California. Plaintiff
4
Dudley was employed by Defendant from approximately February 2011 to July 2012 as a
5
mortgage underwriter in Defendant’s Campbell, California office (Santa Clara County).
6
7.
Plaintiff Kenneth Freestone is an individual residing in Livermore, California.
7
Plaintiff Kenneth Freestone has been employed by Defendants since approximately June 2010 as
8
a mortgage underwriter in Defendant’s Campbell, California office (Santa Clara County).
9
8.
Plaintiff Connie Leiting is an individual residing in Sacramento, California.
10
Plaintiff Connie Leiting was employed by Defendant from approximately October 2003 to
11
September 2012 as a mortgage underwriter in Defendant’s Roseville, California office (Placer
12
County).
13
9.
Plaintiff Mario Mora is an individual residing in Hawthorne, California. Plaintiff
14
Mora was employed by Defendant from approximately November 2009 to February 2012 as a
15
mortgage underwriter in Defendant’s Los Alamitos, California office (Orange County).
16
10.
Plaintiff Jamie Noonan-Silva is an individual residing in Citrus Heights,
17
California. Plaintiff Noonan-Silva has been employed by Defendant since approximately
18
December 2008 as a mortgage underwriter in Defendant’s Roseville, California office (Placer
19
County).
20
11.
Plaintiff Kimberly Seymour is an individual residing in Fair Oaks, California.
21
Plaintiff Seymour was employed by Defendant from approximately 2008 to November 2011 as a
22
mortgage underwriter in Defendant’s Roseville, California office (Placer County).
23
24
25
12.
Plaintiffs Adams, Crawford, Dudley, Freestone, Leiting, Mora, Noonan-Silva, and
Seymour are referred to collectively herein as the “California State Law Plaintiffs”.
13.
Plaintiffs bring this action on behalf of themselves and all other similarly situated
26
individuals pursuant to 29 U.S.C. § 216(b). Plaintiffs and the similarly situated individuals are, or
27
were, employed by Defendant as mortgage underwriters across the country during the applicable
28
statutory period.
-3FIRST AMENDED COLLECTIVE ACTION COMPLAINT
Case 2:12-cv-01907-LKK-EFB Document 81-1 Filed 11/08/13 Page 5 of 28
1
14.
Defendant U.S. Bank National Association is a wholly owned subsidiary of U.S.
2
Bancorp. Defendant does business and maintains offices in cities throughout the country,
3
including Roseville, California (Placer County). Defendant employed Plaintiff and the similarly
4
situated individuals within the meaning of the FLSA, 29 U.S.C. § 203. At all relevant times,
5
Defendant’s gross annual sales made or business done has been in excess of $500,000. Defendant
6
operates in interstate commerce by, among other things, selling mortgage loan products in
7
multiple states.
8
9
15.
Defendants Does 1-50, inclusive, are sued herein under fictitious names. Their
true names and capacities are unknown to Plaintiff. When their true names and capacities are
10
ascertained, Plaintiff will amend this Complaint by inserting their true names and capacities
11
herein. Plaintiff is informed and believes and thereon alleges that each of the fictitiously-named
12
defendants is responsible in some manner for the occurrences herein alleged, and that the
13
damages of Plaintiff and the putative class members herein alleged were proximately caused by
14
such Defendant.
15
16
17
18
19
20
FACTUAL ALLEGATIONS
16.
At all times relevant herein, Defendant operated a willful scheme to deprive its
mortgage underwriters of overtime compensation.
17.
Plaintiffs and the similarly situated individuals worked as mortgage underwriters
for Defendant during the applicable statutory period.
18.
Defendant routinely suffered and permitted Plaintiffs and the other mortgage
21
underwriters to work in excess of eight hours per day and forty hours per week. However,
22
Defendant improperly classified its mortgage underwriters as “exempt” from the FLSA and state
23
wage and hour law, and therefore did not pay them overtime compensation for all overtime hours
24
worked. Defendant uniformly applied this policy and practice to all mortgage underwriters.
25
19.
Defendant did not keep accurate records of the hours worked by Plaintiffs and the
26
other mortgage underwriters. Defendant never instructed Plaintiffs or other Mortgage
27
Underwriters to keep records or their own hours worked. Because Defendant did not pay
28
Plaintiffs for all the hours they worked, including overtime hours, Defendants’ wage statements
-4FIRST AMENDED COLLECTIVE ACTION COMPLAINT
Case 2:12-cv-01907-LKK-EFB Document 81-1 Filed 11/08/13 Page 6 of 28
1
2
did not accurately reflect all hours Plaintiffs worked.
20.
Defendant uniformly misrepresented to Plaintiffs and the other mortgage
3
underwriters that they were ineligible to receive overtime pay. In reality, Plaintiffs and the other
4
mortgage underwriters are, and were, nonexempt production employees who are, and were,
5
entitled to overtime pay.
6
21.
Because Defendant required Plaintiffs to review a certain number of files per day,
7
and because Plaintiffs were required to work until they completed their allocation of files,
8
Plaintiffs regularly, on average at least weekly, worked through meal periods and rest periods.
9
Defendant’s production requirements prevented Plaintiffs from taking uninterrupted meal and rest
10
11
periods.
22.
Defendant’s supervisory employees observed Plaintiffs working through meal and
12
rest periods. For example, Plaintiffs and other Mortgage Underwriters regularly ate lunch while
13
they worked. Defendant’s supervisory employees observed this activity.
14
23.
Defendant was aware, or should have been aware, that Plaintiffs and the other
15
mortgage underwriters performed work that required payment of overtime compensation.
16
Defendant is aware of wage and hour laws, as evidenced by the fact that it provides overtime
17
compensation to other employees who are not mortgage underwriters. Moreover, federal courts
18
have found mortgage underwriters to be non-exempt as a matter of law.
19
24.
Defendant’s conduct, as set forth in this Complaint, was willful and in bad faith.
20
Defendant operated under a scheme that has caused significant damages to Plaintiffs and the
21
similarly situated individuals.
22
23
24
25
COLLECTIVE ACTION ALLEGATIONS
25.
Plaintiffs, on behalf of themselves and all other similarly situated individuals,
restate and incorporate by reference the above paragraphs as if fully set forth herein.
26.
Plaintiffs bring their claims on behalf of themselves and other similarly situated
26
employees as authorized under the FLSA, 29 U.S.C. § 216(b). The proposed collective class is as
27
follows:
28
All persons who are, or have been, employed by Defendant as mortgage
-5FIRST AMENDED COLLECTIVE ACTION COMPLAINT
Case 2:12-cv-01907-LKK-EFB Document 81-1 Filed 11/08/13 Page 7 of 28
underwriters at any time within three years prior to this action’s filing date through
the date of final disposition of this action (the “FLSA Collective”).
1
2
3
4
27.
Plaintiffs have signed consent forms to join this lawsuit pursuant to 29 U.S.C. §
216(b), which have previously been filed with the Court.
28.
Defendant classified all of its mortgage underwriters as “exempt” from overtime
5
under the FLSA. Accordingly, Plaintiffs and the FLSA Collective were subject to Defendant’s
6
policy, decision, and/or plan of improperly treating and classifying underwriters as “exempt”
7
under the FLSA, and failing to pay appropriate overtime compensation.
8
9
29.
Defendant is liable under the FLSA for failing to properly compensate Plaintiffs
and the FLSA Collective. Accordingly, notice should be sent to the FLSA Collective. There are
10
numerous similarly situated current and former employees of Defendant who have been denied
11
overtime pay in violation of the FLSA who would benefit from the issuance of a Court-supervised
12
notice of this lawsuit and the opportunity to join. Those similarly situated employees are known
13
to Defendant and are readily identifiable through Defendant’s records.
14
FIRST CLAIM FOR RELIEF
15
FAIR LABOR STANDARDS ACT – FAILURE TO PAY OVERTIME
16
(on behalf of Plaintiffs and the FLSA Collective)
17
18
19
30.
Plaintiffs, on behalf of themselves and all other similarly situated individuals,
restate and incorporate by reference the above paragraphs as if fully set forth herein.
31.
The FLSA, 29 U.S.C. § 207, requires each covered employer, such as Defendant,
20
to compensate all nonexempt employees at a rate of not less than one and one-half times the
21
regular rate of pay for work performed in excess of forty hours per work week.
22
23
24
25
26
32.
Defendant routinely suffered and permitted Plaintiffs and the FLSA Collective to
work more than forty hours per week without overtime compensation.
33.
By failing to compensate Plaintiffs and the FLSA Collective overtime
compensation, Defendant violated the FLSA, 29 U.S.C. § 201 et seq.
34.
By failing to record, report, and/or preserve records of hours worked by Plaintiffs
27
and the FLSA Collective, Defendant failed to make, keep, and preserve records with respect to
28
each of their employees sufficient to determine their wages, hours, and other conditions and
-6FIRST AMENDED COLLECTIVE ACTION COMPLAINT
Case 2:12-cv-01907-LKK-EFB Document 81-1 Filed 11/08/13 Page 8 of 28
1
2
practice of employment, in violation of the FLSA, 29 U.S.C. § 201 et seq.
35.
Defendant knew, or showed reckless disregard for the fact, that it failed to pay
3
these individuals overtime compensation in violation of the FLSA. The foregoing conduct, as
4
alleged in this Compliant, constitutes a willful violation of the FLSA, within the meaning of 29
5
U.S.C. § 255(a).
6
36.
As a direct and proximate cause of Defendant’s unlawful conduct, Plaintiffs and
7
the FLSA Collective have suffered, and will continue to suffer, a loss of income and other
8
damages. Plaintiffs, on behalf of themselves and the FLSA Collective, seek damages in the
9
amount of the unpaid overtime compensation, liquidated damages as provided by the FLSA, 29
10
U.S.C. § 216(b), interest, attorneys’ fees and costs, and such other legal and equitable relief as the
11
Court deems just and proper.
12
SECOND CLAIM FOR RELIEF
13
CALIFORNIA STATE LABOR CODE – FAILURE TO PAY OVERTIME
14
Cal. Wage Order No. 4; Cal. Labor Code §§ 510, 1194
15
(On Behalf of the California State Law Plaintiffs)
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
37.
The California State Law Plaintiffs allege and incorporate by reference the
allegations in the preceding paragraphs.
38.
At all times relevant to this action, the California State Law Plaintiffs were
employed by Defendants within the meaning of the California Labor Code.
39.
By the course of conduct set forth above, Defendant violated Cal. Labor Code §§
510 and 1194.
40.
The California Labor Code requires employers, such as Defendant, to pay
overtime compensation to all non-exempt employees.
41.
The California State Law Plaintiffs were non-exempt employees entitled to be paid
proper overtime compensation for all hours worked.
42.
During the relevant statutory period, the California State Law Plaintiffs worked in
excess of eight hours in a work day and/or forty hours in a work week for Defendant.
28
-7FIRST AMENDED COLLECTIVE ACTION COMPLAINT
Case 2:12-cv-01907-LKK-EFB Document 81-1 Filed 11/08/13 Page 9 of 28
1
2
43.
California State Law Plaintiffs proper overtime compensation for overtime hours worked.
3
4
44.
Defendant had a policy and practice of failing and refusing to pay proper overtime
pay to the California State Law Plaintiffs for their hours worked.
5
6
During the relevant statutory period, Defendant failed and refused to pay the
45.
As a result of Defendant’s failure to pay wages earned and due, Defendant violated
the California Labor Code.
7
46.
As a direct and proximate result of Defendant’s unlawful conduct, as set forth
8
herein, the California State Law Plaintiffs have sustained damages, including loss of earnings for
9
hours of overtime worked on behalf of Defendant, prejudgment interest, and attorneys’ fees and
10
costs.
11
THIRD CLAIM FOR RELIEF
12
CALIFORNIA WAGE PAYMENT PROVISIONS OF LABOR CODE
13
Cal. Labor Code §§ 201, 202 & 203
14
(On Behalf of the California State Law Plaintiffs Except for Plaintiffs Adams, Freestone, and
15
Noonan-Silva)
16
17
18
47.
The California State Law Plaintiffs allege and incorporate by reference the
allegations in the preceding paragraphs.
48.
California Labor Code §§ 201 and 202 require Defendant to pay employees all
19
wages due within the time specified by law. California Labor Code § 203 provides that if an
20
employer willfully fails to timely pay such wages, the employer must continue to pay the subject
21
employees’ wages until the back wages are paid in full or an action is commenced, up to a
22
maximum of thirty days of wages.
23
24
25
49.
The California State Law Plaintiffs are entitled to unpaid overtime compensation,
but to date have not received all such compensation.
50.
As a consequence of Defendant’s willful conduct in not paying proper
26
compensation for all hours worked, the California State Law Plaintiffs (except for Plaintiffs
27
Adams, Freestone and Noonan-Silva) are entitled to up to thirty days’ wages under Labor Code §
28
203, together with interest thereon, and attorneys’ fees and costs.
-8FIRST AMENDED COLLECTIVE ACTION COMPLAINT
Case 2:12-cv-01907-LKK-EFB Document 81-1 Filed 11/08/13 Page 10 of 28
1
FOURTH CLAIM FOR RELIEF
2
CALIFORNIA WAGE STATEMENT PROVISIONS OF LABOR CODE
3
Cal. Wage Order No. 4; Cal. Labor Code § 226
4
(On Behalf of Plaintiffs Adams, Freestone and Noonan-Silva)
5
6
7
51.
Plaintiffs Adams, Freestone and Noonan-Silva allege and incorporate by reference
the allegations in the preceding paragraphs.
52.
Defendant knowingly and intentionally failed to provide timely, accurate, itemized
8
wage statements including, inter alia, hours worked, to Plaintiffs Adams and Freestone in
9
accordance with Labor Code § 226(a) and the IWC Wage Orders. Such failure caused injury to
10
Plaintiffs Adams and Freestone, by, among other things, impeding them from knowing the
11
amount of wages to which they are and were entitled.
12
53.
Plaintiffs Adams, Freestone and Noonan-Silva are entitled to and seek injunctive
13
relief requiring Defendant to comply with Labor Code 226(a) and further seek the amount
14
provided under Labor Code 226(e), including the greater of all actual damages or fifty dollars for
15
the initial pay period in which a violation occurs and one hundred dollars ($100) for each
16
violation in a subsequent pay period.
17
FIFTH CLAIM FOR RELIEF
18
CALIFORNIA REST BREAK AND MEAL PERIOD PROVISIONS
19
Cal. Wage Order No. 4; Cal. Labor Code §§ 226 et seq., 512,
20
21
22
23
(On Behalf of the California State Law Plaintiffs)
54.
The California State Law Plaintiffs allege and incorporate by reference the
allegations in the proceeding paragraphs.
55.
California Labor Code section 512 prohibits an employer from employing an
24
employee for a work period of more than five hours per day without providing the employee with
25
a meal period of not less than 30 minutes, or for a work period of more than 10 hours per day
26
without providing the employee with a second meal period of not less than 30 minutes.
27
28
56.
Section 11 of Wage Order No. 4 provides (and at all times relevant hereto
provided) in relevant part that:
-9FIRST AMENDED COLLECTIVE ACTION COMPLAINT
Case 2:12-cv-01907-LKK-EFB Document 81-1 Filed 11/08/13 Page 11 of 28
1
No employer shall employ any person for a work period of more than five
2
(5) hours without a meal period of not less than 30 minutes, except that
3
when a work period of not more than six (6) hours will complete the day’s
4
work the meal period may be waived by mutual consent of the employer and
5
employee. Unless the employee is relieved of all duty during a 30 minute
6
meal period, the meal period shall be considered an "on duty" meal period
7
and counted as time worked. An "on duty" meal period shall be permitted
8
only when the nature of the work prevents an employee from being relieved
9
of all duty and when by written agreement between the parties an on-the-job
10
paid meal period is agreed to. The written agreement shall state that the
11
employee may, in writing, revoke the agreement at any time. If an employer
12
fails to provide an employee a meal period in accordance with the applicable
13
provisions of this Order, the employer shall pay the employee one (1) hour
14
of pay at the employee’s regular rate of compensation for each work day
15
that the meal period is not provided.
16
17
57.
Section 12 of Wage Order No. 4 provides (and at all times relevant hereto
provided) in relevant part that:
18
Every employer shall authorize and permit all employees to take rest
19
periods, which insofar as practicable shall be in the middle of each work
20
period. The authorized rest period time shall be based on the total hours
21
worked daily at the rate of ten (10) minutes net rest time per four (4) hours
22
or major fraction thereof. However, a rest period need not be authorized for
23
employees whose total daily work time is less than three and one-half (3 ½)
24
hours. Authorized rest period time shall be counted, as hours worked, for
25
which there shall be no deduction from wages. If an employer fails to
26
provide an employee a rest period in accordance with the applicable
27
provisions of this Order, the employer shall pay the employee one (1) hour
28
-10FIRST AMENDED COLLECTIVE ACTION COMPLAINT
Case 2:12-cv-01907-LKK-EFB Document 81-1 Filed 11/08/13 Page 12 of 28
1
of pay at the employee’s regular rate of compensation for each work day
2
that the rest period is not provided.
3
58.
California Labor Code section 226.7 prohibits any employer from requiring any
4
employee to work during any meal or rest period mandated by an applicable IWC wage order,
5
and provides that an employer that fails to provide an employee with a required rest break or meal
6
period shall pay that employee one additional hour of pay at the employee’s regular rate of
7
compensation for each work day that the employer does not provide a compliant meal or rest
8
period.
9
59.
Defendant knowingly failed to provide the California State Law Plaintiffs with
10
meal periods as required by law, and knowingly failed to authorize and permit the California
11
State Law Plaintiffs to take rest periods as required by law. The California State Law Plaintiffs
12
are therefore entitled to payment of the meal and rest period premiums as provided by law.
13
SIXTH CLAIM FOR RELIEF
14
CALIFORNIA UNFAIR COMPETITION LAW
15
Cal. Bus. & Prof. Code §§ 17200 et seq.
16
17
18
19
(On Behalf of the California State Law Plaintiffs)
60.
The California State Law Plaintiffs allege and incorporate by reference the
allegations in the preceding paragraphs.
61.
The foregoing conduct, as alleged, violates the California Unfair Competition Law
20
(“UCL”), Cal. Bus. & Prof. Code §§ 17200 et seq. of the Cal. Bus. & Prof. Code prohibits unfair
21
competition by prohibiting, inter alia, any unlawful or unfair business acts or practices.
22
62.
Beginning at a date unknown to the California State Law Plaintiffs, but at least as
23
long ago as the year 2009, Defendant committed acts of unfair competition, as defined by the
24
UCL, by, among other things, engaging in the acts and practices described herein. Defendant’s
25
conduct as herein alleged has injured the California State Law Plaintiffs by wrongfully denying
26
them earned wages, and therefore was substantially injurious to the California State Law
27
Plaintiffs.
28
-11FIRST AMENDED COLLECTIVE ACTION COMPLAINT
Case 2:12-cv-01907-LKK-EFB Document 81-1 Filed 11/08/13 Page 13 of 28
1
63.
Defendant engaged in unfair competition in violation of the UCL by violating,
2
inter alia, each of the following laws. Each of these violations constitutes an independent and
3
separate violation of the UCL:
4
A.
Fair Labor Standards Act, 29 U.S.C. §§ 201 et seq.
5
B.
California Labor Code §§ 510 & 1194
6
C.
California Labor Code §§ 226.7 & 512
7
64.
Defendant’s course of conduct, acts, and practices in violation of the California
8
laws mentioned in the above paragraph constitute a separate and independent violation of the
9
UCL.
10
11
Defendant’s conduct described herein violates the policy or spirit of such laws or
otherwise significantly threatens or harms competition.
65.
The harm to the California State Law Plaintiffs in being wrongfully denied
12
lawfully earned wages outweighed the utility, if any, of Defendant’s policies or practices and
13
therefore, Defendant’s actions described herein constitute an unfair business practice or act within
14
the meaning of the UCL.
15
66.
Pursuant to Business and Professions Code § 17200 et seq., the California State
16
Law Plaintiffs are entitled to restitution of the overtime earnings and other unpaid wages alleged
17
herein that were withheld and retained by Defendant during a period that commences four years
18
prior to the filing of this action, a permanent injunction requiring Defendant to pay required
19
wages, an award of attorneys’ fees pursuant to Code of Civil Procedure § 1021.5 and other
20
applicable law, and costs.
21
22
23
24
PRAYER FOR RELIEF
67.
WHEREFORE, Plaintiffs, on behalf of themselves and all members of the FLSA
Collective, pray for relief as follows:
A. Designation of this action as a collective action on behalf of the FLSA
25
Collective and prompt issuance of notice pursuant to 29 U.S.C. § 216(b) to all
26
similarly situated members of the Collective, apprising them of the pendency
27
of this action, and permitting them to assert timely FLSA claims in this action
28
by filing individual consent forms pursuant to 29 U.S.C. § 216(b);
-12FIRST AMENDED COLLECTIVE ACTION COMPLAINT
Case 2:12-cv-01907-LKK-EFB Document 81-1 Filed 11/08/13 Page 14 of 28
1
B. Judgment against Defendant for an amount equal to Plaintiff and the FLSA
2
Collective’s unpaid overtime wages at the applicable rates;
3
C. A finding that Defendant’s conduct was willful
4
D. An equal amount to the overtime wages as liquidated damages;
5
E. All costs and attorney’ fees incurred prosecuting these claims, including expert
6
fees;
7
F. Pre-judgment and post-judgment interest, as provided by law;
8
G. Leave to add additional plaintiffs and/or state law claims by motion, the filing
9
of written consent forms, or any other method approved by the Court; and
10
H. Such further relief as the Court deems just and equitable.
11
68.
12
WHEREFORE, the California State Law Plaintiffs pray for relief as follows:
A.
13
Unpaid overtime wages, other due wages, injunctive relief, and unpaid
meal and rest premiums pursuant to California law;
14
B.
Appropriate equitable relief to remedy Defendants’ violations of state law;
15
C.
Appropriate statutory penalties;
16
D.
An award of damages and restitution to be paid by Defendant according to
17
proof;
18
E.
19
Attorneys’ fees and costs of suit, including expert fees pursuant to Cal.
Labor §§ 1194, and California Code of Civil Procedure § 1021.5;
20
F.
Pre-judgment and post-judgment interest, as provided by law; and
21
G.
Such other equitable relief as the Court may deem just and proper.
22
DEMAND FOR JURY TRIAL
23
69.
Pursuant to Rule 38(b) of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, Plaintiffs,
24
individually and on behalf of all others similarly situated, demand a trial by jury.
25
Dated:
26
27
28
NICHOLS KASTER, LLP
By:
Matthew C. Helland
Attorneys for Plaintiff and those similarly situated
-13FIRST AMENDED COLLECTIVE ACTION COMPLAINT
Case 2:12-cv-01907-LKK-EFB Document 81-1 Filed 11/08/13 Page 15 of 28
1
6
Robert L. Schug, CA State Bar No. 249640
RSchug@nka.com
Matthew C. Helland, CA State Bar No. 250451
Helland@nka.com
NICHOLS KASTER, LLP
One Embarcadero Center, Suite 720
San Francisco, CA 94111
Telephone: (415) 277-7235
Facsimile: (415) 277-7238
7
Attorneys for Plaintiff and those similarly situated
2
3
4
5
8
IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
EASTERN DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA
9
10
11
12
13
KAREN WILLIAMS, SANDRA ADAMS,
LISA CRAWFORD, DEBRA DUDLEY,
KENNETH FREESTONE, CONNIE LEITING,
MARIO MORA, JAMIE NOONAN-SILVA,
and KIMBERLY SEYMOUR individually and
on behalf of all others similarly situated,
Plaintiff,
14
15
16
v.
U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION
and DOES 1-50, inclusive,
17
18
Defendants.
Case No.: 2:12-cv-01907-LKK-EFB
FIRST AMENDED COLLECTIVE
ACTION COMPLAINT
(1) Failure to Pay Overtime Compensation
in Violation of the Fair Labor Standards
Act (29 U.S.C. § 201, et seq.)
(2) Failure to Pay Overtime Compensation
in Violation of California Law (Cal. Lab.
Code §§ 510, 1194, and 1198, and IWC
Wage Order(s))
(3) Waiting Time Penalties (Cal. Lab.
Code §§ 201-203)
19
20
21
22
(4) Failure to Provide Itemized Wage
Statements (Cal. Lab. Code § 226)
(5) Failure to Provide and/or Authorize
Meal and Rest Periods (Cal. Lab. Code §
226.7)
23
24
(6) Violation of California Business and
Professions Code §§ 17200 et seq.
25
26
DEMAND FOR JURY TRIAL
27
28
FIRST AMENDED COLLECTIVE ACTION COMPLAINT
Case 2:12-cv-01907-LKK-EFB Document 81-1 Filed 11/08/13 Page 16 of 28
1
2
3
Plaintiffs Karen Williams, Sandra Adams, Lisa Crawford, Debra Dudley, Kenneth
4
Freestone, Connie Leiting, Mario Mora, Jamie Noonan-Silva, and Kimberly Seymour
5
(“Plaintiffs”), on her their own behalf and on behalf of all similarly situated individuals, by and
6
through her attorneys Nichols Kaster, LLP, brings this action against Defendant U.S. Bank
7
National Association (“Defendant”), and certain Doe Defendants, for damages and other relief
8
relating to violations of the Fair Labor Standards Act (“FLSA”), 29 U.S.C. § 201 et seq and
9
California Wage and Hour law.
10
11
JURISDICTION AND VENUE
1.
This Court has jurisdiction to hear this Complaint and to adjudicate the claims
12
stated herein under 28 U.S.C. § 1331 because this case is brought under the Fair Labor Standards
13
Act, 29 U.S.C. § 201 et seq. This Court also has supplemental jurisdiction over the California
14
state law claims pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 1367.
15
2.
Venue is proper in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of
16
California pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 1391 because Defendant operates in this district, and because a
17
substantial part of the events or omissions giving rise to the claims occurred in this district.
18
Pursuant to L.R. 120, this action is properly assigned to the Sacramento Division of the Eastern
19
District of California because a substantial portion of the events or omissions giving rise to the
20
claims occurred in Placer County, California.
21
22
THE PARTIES
3.
Individual and representative Plaintiff Karen Williams is an individual residing in
23
Rancho Cordova, California (Sacramento County). Plaintiff Williams was employed by
24
Defendant from approximately September 2010 to April 2011 as a mortgage underwriter in
25
Defendant’s Roseville, California office (Placer County).
26
4.
Plaintiff Sandra Adams is an individual residing in Cameron Park, California.
27
Plaintiff Adams has been employed by Defendant since approximately 2011, and was previously
28
employed by Defendant from approximately February 2008 to 2010 as a mortgage underwriter in
-2FIRST AMENDED COLLECTIVE ACTION COMPLAINT
Case 2:12-cv-01907-LKK-EFB Document 81-1 Filed 11/08/13 Page 17 of 28
1
2
Defendant’s Roseville, California office (Placer County).
5.
Plaintiff Lisa Crawford is an individual residing in Tustin, California. Plaintiff
3
Crawford was employed by Defendant from approximately November 2008 to December 2011 as
4
a mortgage underwriter in Defendant’s Los Alamitos, California office (Orange County).
5
6.
Plaintiff Debra Dudley is an individual residing in Marina, California. Plaintiff
6
Dudley was employed by Defendant from approximately February 2011 to July 2012 as a
7
mortgage underwriter in Defendant’s Campbell, California office (Santa Clara County).
8
9
10
11
7.
Plaintiff Kenneth Freestone is an individual residing in Livermore, California.
Plaintiff Kenneth Freestone has been employed by Defendants since approximately June 2010 as
a mortgage underwriter in Defendant’s Campbell, California office (Santa Clara County).
8.
Plaintiff Connie Leiting is an individual residing in Sacramento, California.
12
Plaintiff Connie Leiting was employed by Defendant from approximately October 2003 to
13
September 2012 as a mortgage underwriter in Defendant’s Roseville, California office (Placer
14
County).
15
9.
Plaintiff Mario Mora is an individual residing in Hawthorne, California. Plaintiff
16
Mora was employed by Defendant from approximately November 2009 to February 2012 as a
17
mortgage underwriter in Defendant’s Los Alamitos, California office (Orange County).
18
10.
Plaintiff Jamie Noonan-Silva is an individual residing in Citrus Heights,
19
California. Plaintiff Noonan-Silva has been employed by Defendant since approximately
20
December 2008 as a mortgage underwriter in Defendant’s Roseville, California office (Placer
21
County).
22
11.
Plaintiff Kimberly Seymour is an individual residing in Fair Oaks, California.
23
Plaintiff Seymour was employed by Defendant from approximately 2008 to November 2011 as a
24
mortgage underwriter in Defendant’s Rosevilledale, California office (Placer County).
25
26
27
28
3.12.
Plaintiffs Adams, Crawford, Dudley, Freestone, Leiting, Mora, Noonan-Silva, and
Seymour are referred to collectively herein as the “California State Law Plaintiffs”.
4.13.
Plaintiffs brings this action on behalf of herself themselves and all other similarly
situated individuals pursuant to 29 U.S.C. § 216(b). Plaintiffs and the similarly situated
-3FIRST AMENDED COLLECTIVE ACTION COMPLAINT
Case 2:12-cv-01907-LKK-EFB Document 81-1 Filed 11/08/13 Page 18 of 28
1
individuals are, or were, employed by Defendant as mortgage underwriters across the country
2
during the applicable statutory period.
3
5.14.
Defendant U.S. Bank National Association is a wholly owned subsidiary of U.S.
4
Bancorp. Defendant does business and maintains offices in cities throughout the country,
5
including Roseville, California (Placer County). Defendant employed Plaintiff and the similarly
6
situated individuals within the meaning of the FLSA, 29 U.S.C. § 203. At all relevant times,
7
Defendant’s gross annual sales made or business done has been in excess of $500,000. Defendant
8
operates in interstate commerce by, among other things, selling mortgage loan products in
9
multiple states.
10
6.15.
Defendants Does 1-50, inclusive, are sued herein under fictitious names. Their
11
true names and capacities are unknown to Plaintiff. When their true names and capacities are
12
ascertained, Plaintiff will amend this Complaint by inserting their true names and capacities
13
herein. Plaintiff is informed and believes and thereon alleges that each of the fictitiously-named
14
defendants is responsible in some manner for the occurrences herein alleged, and that the
15
damages of Plaintiff and the putative class members herein alleged were proximately caused by
16
such Defendant.
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
FACTUAL ALLEGATIONS COMMON TO ALL CLAIMS
7.16.
At all times relevant herein, Defendant operated a willful scheme to deprive its
mortgage underwriters of overtime compensation.
8.17.
Plaintiffs and the similarly situated individuals worked as mortgage underwriters
for Defendant during the applicable statutory period.
9.18.
Defendant routinely suffered and permitted Plaintiffs and the other mortgage
25
underwriters to work in excess of eight hours per day and forty hours per week. However,
26
Defendant improperly classified its mortgage underwriters as “exempt” from the FLSA and state
27
wage and hour law, and therefore did not pay them overtime compensation for all overtime hours
28
worked. Defendant uniformly applied this policy and practice to all mortgage underwriters.
-4FIRST AMENDED COLLECTIVE ACTION COMPLAINT
Case 2:12-cv-01907-LKK-EFB Document 81-1 Filed 11/08/13 Page 19 of 28
1
10.19. Defendant did not keep accurate records of the hours worked by Plaintiffs and the
2
other mortgage underwriters. Defendant never instructed Plaintiffs or other Mortgage
3
Underwriters to keep records or their own hours worked. Because Defendant did not pay
4
Plaintiffs for all the hours they worked, including overtime hours, Defendants’ wage statements
5
did not accurately reflect all hours Plaintiffs worked.
6
20.
Defendant uniformly misrepresented to Plaintiffs and the other mortgage
7
underwriters that they were ineligible to receive overtime pay. In reality, Plaintiffs and the other
8
mortgage underwriters are, and were, nonexempt production employees who are, and were,
9
entitled to overtime pay.
10
21.
Because Defendant required Plaintiffs to review a certain number of files per day,
11
and because Plaintiffs were required to work until they completed their allocation of files,
12
Plaintiffs regularly, on average at least weekly, worked through meal periods and rest periods.
13
Defendant’s production requirements prevented Plaintiffs from taking uninterrupted meal and rest
14
periods.
15
22.
Defendant’s supervisory employees observed Plaintiffs working through meal and
16
rest periods. For example, Plaintiffs and other Mortgage Underwriters regularly ate lunch while
17
they worked. Defendant’s supervisory employees observed this activity.
18
11.
19
12.23. Defendant was aware, or should have been aware, that Plaintiffs and the other
20
mortgage underwriters performed work that required payment of overtime compensation.
21
Defendant is aware of wage and hour laws, as evidenced by the fact that it provides overtime
22
compensation to other employees who are not mortgage underwriters. Moreover, federal courts
23
have found mortgage underwriters to be non-exempt as a matter of law.
24
13.24. Defendant’s conduct, as set forth in this Complaint, was willful and in bad faith.
25
Defendant operated under a scheme that has caused significant damages to Plaintiffs and the
26
similarly situated individuals.
27
COLLECTIVE ACTION ALLEGATIONS
28
-5FIRST AMENDED COLLECTIVE ACTION COMPLAINT
Case 2:12-cv-01907-LKK-EFB Document 81-1 Filed 11/08/13 Page 20 of 28
1
14.25. Plaintiffs, on behalf of herself themselves and all other similarly situated
2
individuals, restates and incorporates by reference the above paragraphs as if fully set forth
3
herein.
4
15.26. Plaintiffs brings her their claims on behalf of herself themselves and other
5
similarly situated employees as authorized under the FLSA, 29 U.S.C. § 216(b). The proposed
6
collective class is as follows:
All persons who are, or have been, employed by Defendant as mortgage
underwriters at any time within three years prior to this action’s filing date through
the date of final disposition of this action (the “FLSA Collective”).
7
8
16.27. Plaintiffs have has signed a consent forms to join this lawsuit pursuant to 29
9
10
U.S.C. § 216(b), which is attached hereto as Exhibithave previously been filed with the Court A.
11
As this case proceeds, it is likely that other individuals will sign consent forms and join as opt in
12
plaintiffs.
13
17.28. Defendant classified all of its mortgage underwriters as “exempt” from overtime
14
under the FLSA. Accordingly, Plaintiffs and the FLSA Collective were subject to Defendant’s
15
policy, decision, and/or plan of improperly treating and classifying underwriters as “exempt”
16
under the FLSA, and failing to pay appropriate overtime compensation.
18.29. Defendant is liable under the FLSA for failing to properly compensate Plaintiffs
17
18
and the FLSA Collective. Accordingly, notice should be sent to the FLSA Collective. There are
19
numerous similarly situated current and former employees of Defendant who have been denied
20
overtime pay in violation of the FLSA who would benefit from the issuance of a Court-supervised
21
notice of this lawsuit and the opportunity to join. Those similarly situated employees are known
22
to Defendant and are readily identifiable through Defendant’s records.
23
FIRST CLAIM FOR RELIEF
24
FAIR LABOR STANDARDS ACT – FAILURE TO PAY OVERTIME
25
(on behalf of Plaintiffs and the FLSA Collective)
19.30. Plaintiffs, on behalf of herself themselves and all other similarly situated
26
27
individuals, restates and incorporates by reference the above paragraphs as if fully set forth
28
herein.
-6FIRST AMENDED COLLECTIVE ACTION COMPLAINT
Case 2:12-cv-01907-LKK-EFB Document 81-1 Filed 11/08/13 Page 21 of 28
1
20.31. The FLSA, 29 U.S.C. § 207, requires each covered employer, such as Defendant,
2
to compensate all nonexempt employees at a rate of not less than one and one-half times the
3
regular rate of pay for work performed in excess of forty hours per work week.
4
5
6
7
8
9
21.32. Defendant routinely suffered and permitted Plaintiffs and the FLSA Collective to
work more than forty hours per week without overtime compensation.
22.33. By failing to compensate Plaintiffs and the FLSA Collective overtime
compensation, Defendant violated the FLSA, 29 U.S.C. § 201 et seq.
23.34. By failing to record, report, and/or preserve records of hours worked by Plaintiffs
and the FLSA Collective, Defendant failed to make, keep, and preserve records with respect to
10
each of their employees sufficient to determine their wages, hours, and other conditions and
11
practice of employment, in violation of the FLSA, 29 U.S.C. § 201 et seq.
12
24.35. Defendant knew, or showed reckless disregard for the fact, that it failed to pay
13
these individuals overtime compensation in violation of the FLSA. The foregoing conduct, as
14
alleged in this Compliant, constitutes a willful violation of the FLSA, within the meaning of 29
15
U.S.C. § 255(a).
16
36.
As a direct and proximate cause of Defendant’s unlawful conduct, Plaintiffs and
17
the FLSA Collective have suffered, and will continue to suffer, a loss of income and other
18
damages. Plaintiffs, on behalf of herself themselves and the FLSA Collective, seeks damages in
19
the amount of the unpaid overtime compensation, liquidated damages as provided by the FLSA,
20
29 U.S.C. § 216(b), interest, attorneys’ fees and costs, and such other legal and equitable relief as
21
the Court deems just and proper.
22
SECOND CLAIM FOR RELIEF
23
CALIFORNIA STATE LABOR CODE – FAILURE TO PAY OVERTIME
24
Cal. Wage Order No. 4; Cal. Labor Code §§ 510, 1194
25
(On Behalf of the California State Law Plaintiffs)
26
27
37.
The California State Law Plaintiffs allege and incorporate by reference the
allegations in the preceding paragraphs.
28
-7FIRST AMENDED COLLECTIVE ACTION COMPLAINT
Case 2:12-cv-01907-LKK-EFB Document 81-1 Filed 11/08/13 Page 22 of 28
1
2
38.
employed by Defendants within the meaning of the California Labor Code.
3
4
39.
40.
41.
42.
43.
44.
Defendant had a policy and practice of failing and refusing to pay proper overtime
pay to the California State Law Plaintiffs for their hours worked.
15
16
During the relevant statutory period, Defendant failed and refused to pay the
California State Law Plaintiffs proper overtime compensation for overtime hours worked.
13
14
During the relevant statutory period, the California State Law Plaintiffs worked in
excess of eight hours in a work day and/or forty hours in a work week for Defendant.
11
12
The California State Law Plaintiffs were non-exempt employees entitled to be paid
proper overtime compensation for all hours worked.
9
10
The California Labor Code requires employers, such as Defendant, to pay
overtime compensation to all non-exempt employees.
7
8
By the course of conduct set forth above, Defendant violated Cal. Labor Code §§
510 and 1194.
5
6
At all times relevant to this action, the California State Law Plaintiffs were
45.
As a result of Defendant’s failure to pay wages earned and due, Defendant violated
the California Labor Code.
17
46.
As a direct and proximate result of Defendant’s unlawful conduct, as set forth
18
herein, the California State Law Plaintiffs have sustained damages, including loss of earnings for
19
hours of overtime worked on behalf of Defendant, prejudgment interest, and attorneys’ fees and
20
costs.
21
THIRD CLAIM FOR RELIEF
22
CALIFORNIA WAGE PAYMENT PROVISIONS OF LABOR CODE
23
Cal. Labor Code §§ 201, 202 & 203
24
(On Behalf of the California State Law Plaintiffs Except for Plaintiffs Adams, Freestone, and
25
Noonan-Silva)
26
27
47.
The California State Law Plaintiffs allege and incorporate by reference the
allegations in the preceding paragraphs.
28
-8FIRST AMENDED COLLECTIVE ACTION COMPLAINT
Case 2:12-cv-01907-LKK-EFB Document 81-1 Filed 11/08/13 Page 23 of 28
1
48.
California Labor Code §§ 201 and 202 require Defendant to pay employees all
2
wages due within the time specified by law. California Labor Code § 203 provides that if an
3
employer willfully fails to timely pay such wages, the employer must continue to pay the subject
4
employees’ wages until the back wages are paid in full or an action is commenced, up to a
5
maximum of thirty days of wages.
6
7
8
49.
The California State Law Plaintiffs are entitled to unpaid overtime compensation,
but to date have not received all such compensation.
50.
As a consequence of Defendant’s willful conduct in not paying proper
9
compensation for all hours worked, the California State Law Plaintiffs (except for Plaintiffs
10
Adams, Freestone and Noonan-Silva) are entitled to up to thirty days’ wages under Labor Code §
11
203, together with interest thereon, and attorneys’ fees and costs.
12
FOURTH CLAIM FOR RELIEF
13
CALIFORNIA WAGE STATEMENT PROVISIONS OF LABOR CODE
14
Cal. Wage Order No. 4; Cal. Labor Code § 226
15
(On Behalf of Plaintiffs Adams, Freestone and Noonan-Silva)
16
17
18
51.
Plaintiffs Adams, Freestone and Noonan-Silva allege and incorporate by reference
the allegations in the preceding paragraphs.
52.
Defendant knowingly and intentionally failed to provide timely, accurate, itemized
19
wage statements including, inter alia, hours worked, to Plaintiffs Adams and Freestone in
20
accordance with Labor Code § 226(a) and the IWC Wage Orders. Such failure caused injury to
21
Plaintiffs Adams and Freestone, by, among other things, impeding them from knowing the
22
amount of wages to which they are and were entitled.
23
53.
Plaintiffs Adams, Freestone and Noonan-Silva are entitled to and seek injunctive
24
relief requiring Defendant to comply with Labor Code 226(a) and further seek the amount
25
provided under Labor Code 226(e), including the greater of all actual damages or fifty dollars for
26
the initial pay period in which a violation occurs and one hundred dollars ($100) for each
27
violation in a subsequent pay period.
28
FIFTH CLAIM FOR RELIEF
-9FIRST AMENDED COLLECTIVE ACTION COMPLAINT
Case 2:12-cv-01907-LKK-EFB Document 81-1 Filed 11/08/13 Page 24 of 28
1
CALIFORNIA REST BREAK AND MEAL PERIOD PROVISIONS
2
Cal. Wage Order No. 4; Cal. Labor Code §§ 226 et seq., 512,
3
4
5
6
(On Behalf of the California State Law Plaintiffs)
54.
The California State Law Plaintiffs allege and incorporate by reference the
allegations in the proceeding paragraphs.
55.
California Labor Code section 512 prohibits an employer from employing an
7
employee for a work period of more than five hours per day without providing the employee with
8
a meal period of not less than 30 minutes, or for a work period of more than 10 hours per day
9
without providing the employee with a second meal period of not less than 30 minutes.
10
11
56.
Section 11 of Wage Order No. 4 provides (and at all times relevant hereto
provided) in relevant part that:
12
No employer shall employ any person for a work period of more than five
13
(5) hours without a meal period of not less than 30 minutes, except that
14
when a work period of not more than six (6) hours will complete the day’s
15
work the meal period may be waived by mutual consent of the employer and
16
employee. Unless the employee is relieved of all duty during a 30 minute
17
meal period, the meal period shall be considered an "on duty" meal period
18
and counted as time worked. An "on duty" meal period shall be permitted
19
only when the nature of the work prevents an employee from being relieved
20
of all duty and when by written agreement between the parties an on-the-job
21
paid meal period is agreed to. The written agreement shall state that the
22
employee may, in writing, revoke the agreement at any time. If an employer
23
fails to provide an employee a meal period in accordance with the applicable
24
provisions of this Order, the employer shall pay the employee one (1) hour
25
of pay at the employee’s regular rate of compensation for each work day
26
that the meal period is not provided.
27
28
57.
Section 12 of Wage Order No. 4 provides (and at all times relevant hereto
provided) in relevant part that:
-10FIRST AMENDED COLLECTIVE ACTION COMPLAINT
Case 2:12-cv-01907-LKK-EFB Document 81-1 Filed 11/08/13 Page 25 of 28
1
Every employer shall authorize and permit all employees to take rest
2
periods, which insofar as practicable shall be in the middle of each work
3
period. The authorized rest period time shall be based on the total hours
4
worked daily at the rate of ten (10) minutes net rest time per four (4) hours
5
or major fraction thereof. However, a rest period need not be authorized for
6
employees whose total daily work time is less than three and one-half (3 ½)
7
hours. Authorized rest period time shall be counted, as hours worked, for
8
which there shall be no deduction from wages. If an employer fails to
9
provide an employee a rest period in accordance with the applicable
10
provisions of this Order, the employer shall pay the employee one (1) hour
11
of pay at the employee’s regular rate of compensation for each work day
12
that the rest period is not provided.
13
58.
California Labor Code section 226.7 prohibits any employer from requiring any
14
employee to work during any meal or rest period mandated by an applicable IWC wage order,
15
and provides that an employer that fails to provide an employee with a required rest break or meal
16
period shall pay that employee one additional hour of pay at the employee’s regular rate of
17
compensation for each work day that the employer does not provide a compliant meal or rest
18
period.
19
59.
Defendant knowingly failed to provide the California State Law Plaintiffs with
20
meal periods as required by law, and knowingly failed to authorize and permit the California
21
State Law Plaintiffs to take rest periods as required by law. The California State Law Plaintiffs
22
are therefore entitled to payment of the meal and rest period premiums as provided by law.
23
SIXTH CLAIM FOR RELIEF
24
CALIFORNIA UNFAIR COMPETITION LAW
25
Cal. Bus. & Prof. Code §§ 17200 et seq.
26
27
28
(On Behalf of the California State Law Plaintiffs)
60.
The California State Law Plaintiffs allege and incorporate by reference the
allegations in the preceding paragraphs.
-11FIRST AMENDED COLLECTIVE ACTION COMPLAINT
Case 2:12-cv-01907-LKK-EFB Document 81-1 Filed 11/08/13 Page 26 of 28
1
61.
The foregoing conduct, as alleged, violates the California Unfair Competition Law
2
(“UCL”), Cal. Bus. & Prof. Code §§ 17200 et seq. of the Cal. Bus. & Prof. Code prohibits unfair
3
competition by prohibiting, inter alia, any unlawful or unfair business acts or practices.
4
62.
Beginning at a date unknown to the California State Law Plaintiffs, but at least as
5
long ago as the year 2009, Defendant committed acts of unfair competition, as defined by the
6
UCL, by, among other things, engaging in the acts and practices described herein. Defendant’s
7
conduct as herein alleged has injured the California State Law Plaintiffs by wrongfully denying
8
them earned wages, and therefore was substantially injurious to the California State Law
9
Plaintiffs.
10
63.
Defendant engaged in unfair competition in violation of the UCL by violating,
11
inter alia, each of the following laws. Each of these violations constitutes an independent and
12
separate violation of the UCL:
13
A.
Fair Labor Standards Act, 29 U.S.C. §§ 201 et seq.
14
B.
California Labor Code §§ 510 & 1194
15
C.
California Labor Code §§ 226.7 & 512
16
64.
Defendant’s course of conduct, acts, and practices in violation of the California
17
laws mentioned in the above paragraph constitute a separate and independent violation of the
18
UCL.
19
otherwise significantly threatens or harms competition.
20
Defendant’s conduct described herein violates the policy or spirit of such laws or
65.
The harm to the California State Law Plaintiffs in being wrongfully denied
21
lawfully earned wages outweighed the utility, if any, of Defendant’s policies or practices and
22
therefore, Defendant’s actions described herein constitute an unfair business practice or act within
23
the meaning of the UCL.
24
25.66. Pursuant to Business and Professions Code § 17200 et seq., the California State
25
Law Plaintiffs are entitled to restitution of the overtime earnings and other unpaid wages alleged
26
herein that were withheld and retained by Defendant during a period that commences four years
27
prior to the filing of this action, a permanent injunction requiring Defendant to pay required
28
-12FIRST AMENDED COLLECTIVE ACTION COMPLAINT
Case 2:12-cv-01907-LKK-EFB Document 81-1 Filed 11/08/13 Page 27 of 28
1
wages, an award of attorneys’ fees pursuant to Code of Civil Procedure § 1021.5 and other
2
applicable law, and costs.
3
4
5
PRAYER FOR RELIEF
67.
WHEREFORE, Plaintiffs, on behalf of herself themselves and all members of the
FLSA Collective, prays for relief as follows:
6
A. Designation of this action as a collective action on behalf of the FLSA
7
Collective and prompt issuance of notice pursuant to 29 U.S.C. § 216(b) to all
8
similarly situated members of the Collective, apprising them of the pendency
9
of this action, and permitting them to assert timely FLSA claims in this action
10
by filing individual consent forms pursuant to 29 U.S.C. § 216(b);
11
B. Judgment against Defendant for an amount equal to Plaintiff and the FLSA
12
Collective’s unpaid overtime wages at the applicable rates;
13
C. A finding that Defendant’s conduct was willful
14
D. An equal amount to the overtime wages as liquidated damages;
15
E. All costs and attorney’ fees incurred prosecuting these claims, including expert
16
fees;
17
F. Pre-judgment and post-judgment interest, as provided by law;
18
G. Leave to add additional plaintiffs and/or state law claims by motion, the filing
19
of written consent forms, or any other method approved by the Court; and
20
H. Such further relief as the Court deems just and equitable.
21
22
23
68.
WHEREFORE, the California State Law Plaintiffs pray for relief as follows:
A.
24
Unpaid overtime wages, other due wages, injunctive relief, and unpaid
meal and rest premiums pursuant to California law;
25
B.
Appropriate equitable relief to remedy Defendants’ violations of state law;
26
C.
Appropriate statutory penalties;
27
D.
An award of damages and restitution to be paid by Defendant according to
28
proof;
-13FIRST AMENDED COLLECTIVE ACTION COMPLAINT
Case 2:12-cv-01907-LKK-EFB Document 81-1 Filed 11/08/13 Page 28 of 28
1
E.
2
Labor §§ 1194, and California Code of Civil Procedure § 1021.5;
3
F.
4
A.G.
6
8
Pre-judgment and post-judgment interest, as provided by law; and
Such other equitable relief as the Court may deem just and proper.
5
7
Attorneys’ fees and costs of suit, including expert fees pursuant to Cal.
DEMAND FOR JURY TRIAL
26.
Pursuant to Rule 38(b) of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, Plaintiffs,
individually and on behalf of all others similarly situated, demands a trial by jury.
9
27.69.
10
Dated: July 20, 2012
11
NICHOLS KASTER, LLP
By:
Robert L. SchugMatthew C. Helland
12
13
Attorneys for Plaintiff and those similarly situated
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
-14FIRST AMENDED COLLECTIVE ACTION COMPLAINT
Disclaimer: Justia Dockets & Filings provides public litigation records from the federal appellate and district courts. These filings and docket sheets should not be considered findings of fact or liability, nor do they necessarily reflect the view of Justia.
Why Is My Information Online?