California Freight Sales Class Action Questions Off-the-Clock Work & Missed Breaks

In 2025, a class action lawsuit was filed against Sandair Corporation (doing business as California Freight Sales) in the Superior Court of San Joaquin County. The lawsuit alleges that the company failed to pay employees for all hours worked and violated multiple sections of the California Labor Code by requiring off-the-clock work and failing to provide proper meal and rest breaks.

Case: Juan Jimenez Padilla v. Sandair Corporation, dba California Freight Sales

Court: San Joaquin County Superior Court (California)

Case No.: STK-CV-UOE-2025-9283

Plaintiff Filed a Class Action Seeking Unpaid Wages

The plaintiff in the case is Juan Jimenez Padilla. Padilla filed the class action complaint hoping to represent others in a similar situation at the company as they seek to recover unpaid wages and related damages under California’s wage and hour laws. In his complaint, Padilla alleges that he and other similarly situated employees were required to complete work tasks before and afrer rheir shifts and during meal periods - without payment. According to the plaintiffs, the company's pay practices failed to account for all their employees' work hours. As a result of this practice, Padilla claims that the company denied employees legally required overtime pay, minimum wage compensation, and compliant meal periods and rest breaks. The inaccurate pay practices also allegedly resulted in inaccurate wage statements and unpaid wages after a worker leaves their employment.

The Defendant: Padilla v. California Freight Sales

Sandair Corporation, doing business as California Freight Sales, is a freight and logistics company operating in the state of California. The lawsuit alleges that the company exercised control over its employees’ schedules and work duties but failed to compensate them for time spent working off the clock. Specifically, the complaint alleges that California Freight Sales requires employees to complete tasks before clocking in, remain on duty during meal breaks, and perform additional work after hours. The company also allegedly failed to issue accurate itemized wage statements (which are required by California Labor Code Section 226), and did not reimburse employees for necessary work-related expenses.

A History of the Case: Padilla v. California Freight Sales

The case was filed in August 2025 in San Joaquin County Superior Court. It seeks class certification on behalf of all non-exempt employees who worked for California Freight Sales during the relevant statutory period. The lawsuit alleges violations of multiple Labor Code provisions, including those covering minimum wage, overtime, rest and meal breaks, and wage statements. As of this writing, the case remains pending. If class certification is granted, the outcome could affect a significant number of employees across the company’s operations. The plaintiffs are seeking recovery of unpaid wages, statutory penalties, restitution, and attorneys’ fees.

The Main Question Being Considered in the Class Action Case:

The main question before the court is whether California Freight Sales practices violated California labor laws and whether employees were "subject to the control" of the employer during the "unpaid" periods. If so, they are entitled to compensatio for that time under California labor law. The ruling will hinge on evidence showing whether California Freight Sales maintained policies or practices that required off-the-clock work or failed to ensure employees received full, uninterrupted breaks as mandated by law.

Why Does the Case Matter and How Could it Affect California Workers?

If the allegations are proven, it could indicate widespread wage and hour violations or far reaching business practices failing to comply with labor law. If so, workers throughout California's large freight and logistics industry could be affected. The case serves as a reminder that California law protects the right to be paid for every minute worked; including time spent preparing for shifts, closing out duties, or performing work during breaks.

FAQ: Padilla v. California Freight Sales

Q: What does the lawsuit against California Freight Sales claim?

A: The lawsuit claims the company required employees to work off-the-clock before and after shifts and during meal breaks, failing to pay them for all hours worked.

Q: What laws are at issue in this case?

A: The case cites violations of California Labor Code Sections 201, 202, 203, 204, 210, 226, 226.7, 510, 512, 558, 1194, 1197, 1197.1, 1198, and 2802 — which govern wage payments, overtime, meal and rest periods, and expense reimbursements.

Q: What will the court decide?

A: The court will determine whether California Freight Sales’ policies resulted in unpaid wages or denied employees legally required meal and rest breaks under California law.

Q: Why is off-the-clock work a violation?

A: Under California law, employees must be compensated for all time they are under the employer’s control, including pre-shift, post-shift, and break-time duties.

Q: Who could be affected by the outcome?

A: If certified as a class action, the case could impact numerous current and former employees of California Freight Sales who worked during the statutory period.

If you have questions about California labor law, filing a California class action, or wage and hour violations, contact Blumenthal Nordrehaug Bhowmik DeBlouw LLP. Experienced employment law attorneys are ready to help at offices in Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco, Sacramento, Riverside, and Chicago.

Harris Feeding Co. Faces Wage and Hour Allegations in California Class Action

In early September 2025, Harris Feeding Company was named in a class-action lawsuit filed in the Fresno County Superior Court, alleging multiple violations of the California Labor Code.

Case: Sergio Zaragoza Sanchez v. Harris Feeding Co. (d/b/a Prairie Fresh Pork)

Court: Fresno County Superior Court

Case Number.: 25CECG04148

The Plaintiff: Sergio Sanchez, Filed a Class Action Compaint

The plaintiff in the case is Sergio Zaragoza Sanchez, an employee of Prairie Fresh Pork. Sanchez filed an employment law complaint alleging multiple labor law violations: failing to pay employees for all hours worked, withholding overtime pay, and issuing inaccurate wage statements. The alleged violations potentially affect a large group of current and former workers across California.

The Defendant: Sanchez v. Harris Feeding Co.

Harris Feeding Company (doing business as Prairie Fresh Pork) operates as a large-scale agricultural and livestock business based in California’s Central Valley. The company is responsible for managing feeding operations and production processes tied to pork distribution. According to the class action complaint, Harris Feeding Company exercised significant control over its employees’ work hours, duties, and schedules, but allegedly failed to comply with numerous provisions of the California Labor Code.

A History of the Case: Sanchez v. Harris Feeding Company

The lawsuit alleges that Harris Feeding Company failed to compensate employees for all hours worked properly, did not pay overtime wages as required by law, did not provide compliant meal and rest breaks, and did not issue accurate wage statements. The complaint further alleges that the company failed to reimburse workers for necessary business expenses, including equipment and supplies required for their jobs.

The Main Question Being Considered: Sanchez v. Harris Feeding Company

The court will need to determine whether the company’s pay and recordkeeping practices met the legal requirements outlined in the California Labor Code — particularly those governing overtime pay, minimum wage, meal and rest breaks, and reimbursement of work-related expenses.

Why Does this Case Matter to California Workers?

The allegations are serious as they could represent systemic wage and hour violations impacting employees throughout the company's California operations. The class action highlights ongoing concerns that California's agricultural industry is riddled with problematic levels of compliance with state labor standards. As California continues to strengthen protections for workers in industries with historically high rates of labor violations, the outcome of this case may reinforce employer accountability and serve as a reminder that all employees are entitled to full and fair compensation under the law.

FAQ: Sanchez v. Harris Feeding Company

Q: What is the Harris Feeding Company class action lawsuit about?

A: The lawsuit alleges that Harris Feeding Company engaged in multiple labor law violations by failing to pay employees for all hours worked, denying proper overtime pay, failing to provide required meal and rest breaks, issuing inaccurate wage statements, and neglecting to reimburse business expenses.

Q: What laws are at issue in the case?

A: The lawsuit cites violations of California Labor Code Sections 201, 202, 203, 204, 210, 226, 226.7, 510, 512, 558, 1194, 1197, 1197.1, 1198, and 2802; covering areas such as minimum wage, overtime, meal and rest periods, wage statements, timely payment, and expense reimbursement.

Q: What will the court need to decide?

A: The court will determine whether Harris Feeding Company’s wage and hour policies complied with California labor laws and whether the alleged underpayment and recordkeeping violations were part of a broader pattern affecting multiple employees.

Q: Why is this case important for California workers?

A: The case underscores how critical it is for employers to maintain lawful wage and hour practices. For employees, it reinforces their right to accurate pay, proper breaks, and transparent wage documentation under California law.

If you have questions about California labor law, filing a California class action, or wage and hour violations, contact Blumenthal Nordrehaug Bhowmik DeBlouw LLP. Experienced employment law attorneys are ready to help at offices in Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco, Sacramento, Riverside, and Chicago.

California Wingstop Wage and Hour Class Action

Workers in California continue to bring wage and hour claims against employers who fail to meet the state’s strict labor standards. One recent case highlights the impact on service industry employees when businesses fail to comply with wage laws.

Case: Jamal Shabazz v. Mann & Company, Inc. (Wingstop)

Court: Butte County Superior Court

Case No.: 22CV02669

The Plaintiff: Jamal Shabazz v. Mann & Company, Inc. (Wingstop)

As a former Wingstop employee, Jamal Shabazz filed the lawsuit on behalf of himself and similarly situated workers. He alleges the company failed to pay wages properly and follow California’s labor code requirements.

The Defendant: Jamal Shabazz v. Mann & Company, Inc. (Wingstop)

The defendant, Mann & Company, Inc., operates Wingstop franchise locations in California. As the employer, the defendant was responsible for ensuring Wingstop policies and procedures complied with wage and hour laws, including overtime, minimum wage, and break requirements.

A History of the Case: Jamal Shabazz v. Mann & Company, Inc. (Wingstop)

The complaint alleges that Mann & Company violated California’s labor code in multiple ways. Claims include unpaid minimum wages, unpaid overtime, failure to provide required meal periods and rest breaks, and inaccurate wage statements. Shabazz filed on behalf of a proposed class of Wingstop employees in California, seeking back pay, statutory penalties, and other damages. The case remains pending in Butte County Superior Court.

The Main Question Being Considered: Jamal Shabazz v. Mann & Company, Inc. (Wingstop)

Did Wingstop’s practices deny employees legally required wages, breaks, and accurate wage statements under California labor law?

Why This Case Matters: Shabazz v. Mann & Company, Inc. (Wingstop)

Shabazz v. Mann & Company, Inc. (Wingstop) is a good example of how California wage and hour violations impact workers in the hospitality and restaurant industries. Employers of all sizes (even smaller franchise employers) are required to be aware of and comply with labor law standards. Workers denied breaks, overtime, or accurate pay stubs may be entitled to significant recovery through class action litigation.

FAQ: Jamal Shabazz v. Mann & Company, Inc. (Wingstop)

Q: What is this case about?

A: The case alleges that Wingstop violated California labor laws by failing to pay wages properly and provide meal and rest breaks.

Q: What court is handling the case?

A: The case is pending in Butte County Superior Court.

Q: Who filed the wage and hour class action?

A: Jamal Shabazz is the plaintiff in the case. A former Wingstop employee, he filed on behalf of himself and other affected workers.

Q: What violations are alleged?

A: Claims include unpaid minimum wages, unpaid overtime, missed meal periods or rest breaks, and inaccurate wage statements.

Q: Why is this case important for California's workforce?

A: This wage and hour case underscores that all employers, no matter how large or small, are required to comply with California’s strict wage and hour protections.

Take Action to Protect Your Rights as a California Worker

If you believe your employer failed to pay proper wages, denied you meal or rest breaks, or issued inaccurate wage statements, you may have legal claims under California labor law. The attorneys at Blumenthal Nordrehaug Bhowmik DeBlouw LLP have decades of experience representing employees in wage and hour class actions. Contact our offices in Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco, Sacramento, Riverside, or Chicago to discuss your case.

Century Lighting & Electric Sued for Wage-and-Hour Violations in Santa Clara County

Workers at a Bay Area service contractor filed a putative class action alleging broad violations of California wage-and-hour law. The complaint states that non-exempt employees were required to work off the clock, missed legally required meal and rest breaks, and paid work expenses without receiving reimbursement. The case seeks unpaid wages, penalties, and injunctive relief.

Case: Cruz M. Juarez v. Century Commercial Service dba Century Lighting & Electric

Court: Santa Clara County Superior Court

Case No.: 25CV461988

The Plaintiff: Cruz M. Juarez v. Century Commercial Service dba Century Lighting & Electric

The named plaintiff, Cruz M. Juarez, worked as a non-exempt hourly employee from December 2021 to September 2024. He brings the action on behalf of a proposed class of similarly situated California employees who were classified as non-exempt.

The Defendant: Cruz M. Juarez v. Century Commercial Service dba Century Lighting & Electric

Century Commercial Service (doing business as Century Lighting & Electric) is alleged to operate a service contracting business throughout California, including Santa Clara County. The complaint names the company and the Doe defendants.

A History of the Case: Cruz M. Juarez v. Century Commercial Service dba Century Lighting & Electric

The plaintiffs filed the Cruz M. Juarez class action in Santa Clara County Superior Court in March 2025, asserting causes of action under the California Labor Code and the Unfair Competition Law. Claims include failure to pay minimum and overtime wages, failure to provide compliant meal and rest periods, inaccurate wage statements, late final pay, unreimbursed business expenses, unlawful deductions, time-rounding and timekeeping manipulation, and failure to produce personnel records.

The Main Question Being Considered: Cruz M. Juarez v. Century Commercial Service dba Century Lighting & Electric

Did Century maintain policies or practices that violated California wage-and-hour requirements—such as off-the-clock work, noncompliant meal/rest breaks, rounding or altering time records, unpaid overtime at the correct regular rate, and failure to reimburse necessary business expenses—on a class-wide basis?

Why This Case Matters: Cruz M. Juarez v. Century Commercial Service dba Century Lighting & Electric

California labor law protects the rights of non-exempt employees to take off-duty meals and paid rest breaks, receive payment for all hours worked (including pre- and post-shift tasks), receive accurate wage statements, receive timely final pay, and receive reimbursement for necessary expenses. The allegations here mirror issues many workers face statewide. Understanding these rights—and how timekeeping, rounding, or unreimbursed costs can quietly erode pay—helps employees recognize and address potential wage theft.

FAQ: Cruz M. Juarez v. Century Commercial Service dba Century Lighting & Electric

Q: What court is handling this case?

A: Santa Clara County Superior Court, Case No. 25CV461988.

Q: What time period does the proposed class cover?

A: The complaint seeks relief for non-exempt California employees during the four years preceding the filing date, subject to the court’s determination.

Q: What wage violations are alleged?

A: Missed meal/rest breaks without proper premiums, off-the-clock work, unpaid minimum and overtime wages at the correct regular rate, rounding and altered time entries, unlawful deductions, inaccurate wage statements, late final pay, unreimbursed expenses, and failure to timely provide personnel records.

Q: Does the lawsuit ask for reimbursement of work expenses?

A: Yes. It alleges violations of Labor Code § 2802 for items like required cell phone use, internet, uniforms, and tools.

Q: What remedies does the complaint seek?

A: Unpaid wages and premiums, restitution, penalties (including waiting time and wage-statement penalties where applicable), interest, injunctive relief, and attorneys’ fees and costs.

Do Your Wage Statements Match Your Hours Worked?

If wage statements don’t match hours worked, breaks are cut short or on-call, or out-of-pocket costs aren’t reimbursed, those can be violations. Do you have questions about filing a California class action?

Please contact Blumenthal Nordrehaug Bhowmik DeBlouw LLP. Your knowledgeable employment law attorneys in Riverside, San Francisco, Sacramento, San Diego, Los Angeles, and Chicago are ready to help you protect your employee rights.

DoubleTree by Hilton San Diego Del Mar Faces Class Action Wage and Hour Violation Allegations

A new California class action lawsuit filed in San Diego County alleges that DoubleTree by Hilton San Diego Del Mar violated California labor laws by denying employees their full wages, meal and rest breaks, and proper reimbursement for expenses. The case could impact numerous current and former workers at the hotel, highlighting the ongoing scrutiny of hospitality employers in California.

Case: Dylan Hobdy v. AHSC DTD LLC (aka DoubleTree by Hilton San Diego Del Mar)

Court: San Diego County Superior Court

Case No.: 25CU033344C

The Plaintiff: Hobdy v. DoubleTree by Hilton San Diego Del Mar

The plaintiff, Dylan Hobdy, filed this lawsuit on behalf of himself and a proposed class of similarly situated current and former employees. Hobdy alleges that the hotel systematically denied workers their full wages and failed to provide legally mandated breaks under the California Labor Code.

The Defendant: Hobdy v. DoubleTree by Hilton San Diego Del Mar

The defendant, AHSC DTD LLC, operates the DoubleTree by Hilton San Diego Del Mar. As the employer, the company is accused of violating multiple California Labor Codes, regarding:

• minimum wages

• overtime

• itemized wage statements

• meal and rest periods

• timely payment of wages

• reimbursement of expenses

A History of the Case: Hobdy v. DoubleTree by Hilton San Diego Del Mar

The September 2025 filing alleged that DoubleTree by Hilton San Diego Del Mar employees were often required to work before and after their scheduled shifts without pay, and perform tasks during their unpaid meal breaks. Plaintiffs also alleged that the hotel failed to provide accurate wage statements, did not timely pay all wages owed, and ignored legal requirements to reimburse certain employee expenses.

The Main Question Being Considered: Hobdy v. DoubleTree by Hilton San Diego Del Mar

The central issue in this lawsuit is whether DoubleTree by Hilton San Diego Del Mar violated California wage and hour laws when it allegedly required employees to work off the clock, denied proper meal and rest breaks, and failed to pay or reimburse employees for all work performed and expenses incurred.

Why This Case Matters: Hobdy v. DoubleTree by Hilton San Diego Del Mar

The Hobdy v. DoubleTree case spotlights the importance of strict compliance with California’s labor laws in the hospitality industry. The case demonstrates that workers deserve compensation for all the time they work, including even small amounts of time (such as minutes worked before or after shifts, or work performed during meal breaks). For employers, the case serves as a reminder that failure to comply with wage and hour regulations can result in costly class-action litigation.

FAQ: Hobdy v. DoubleTree by Hilton San Diego Del Mar

Q: What law governs meal and rest breaks in California?

A: According to California law, employees get a 30-minute unpaid meal break every 5 hours on the job and 10-minute paid rest breaks for every 4 hours worked.

Q: Can an employer require employees to work off-the-clock?

A: No. Any time an employee is under the employer’s control is compensable under California law, even if the employee is not actively performing job duties.

Q: Can employees recover damages in wage and hour class actions?

A: Employees may recover unpaid wages, penalties, interest, attorney’s fees, and in some cases, additional damages under the California Labor Code.

Q: Are there legal requirements for expense reimbursements in California?

A: California employers are required by law to reimburse employees for reasonable business expenses they incur as part of their job duties.

Q: What should workers do if they suspect wage and hour violations?

A: Employees should keep records of hours worked and consult with an experienced California employment attorney to review potential claims.

California Workers: Get to Know Your Employee Rights

The Hobdy lawsuit demonstrates that California workers have powerful legal protections against wage theft, denied breaks, and off-the-clock work.

If you believe your employer has violated your employee rights under the California Labor Code, the attorneys at Blumenthal Nordrehaug Bhowmik DeBlouw LLP can help. With offices in Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, Riverside, Sacramento, and Chicago, the firm is ready to assist workers in holding employers accountable.

Ninth Circuit Sends Farmworker Wage and Hour Case Back to California State Court

A recent Ninth Circuit ruling reaffirmed that California farmworkers can pursue wage and hour claims in state court even when employers argue collective bargaining agreements (CBAs) should control. The case of Renteria-Hinojosa v. Sunsweet Growers Inc. highlights the ongoing legal battles farmworkers face over minimum wages, sick pay, overtime, and meal/rest breaks.

Case: Renteria-Hinojosa v. Sunsweet Growers Inc.

Court: U.S. Appellate Court, Ninth Circuit

Case Nos.: 23-3379 and 23-4335

The Plaintiff: Renteria-Hinojosa v. Sunsweet Growers Inc.

Annamarie Renteria-Hinojosa, a farmworker, brought claims against Sunsweet Growers Inc., alleging that the company failed to pay her and other workers minimum wages, sick pay, and overtime. She also claimed Sunsweet denied legally required meal periods and rest breaks, failed to provide accurate wage statements, and did not reimburse necessary business expenses.

The Defendant: Sunsweet Growers Inc.

Sunsweet Growers Inc., known for processing and distributing prunes, argued that the case should be decided in federal court because the claims were tied to provisions in a collective bargaining agreement with Teamsters Local 856. The company also sought dismissal, contending that Renteria-Hinojosa failed to follow CBA dispute resolution procedures.

A History of the Case: Renteria-Hinojosa v. Sunsweet Growers Inc.

Renteria-Hinojosa filed suit in California state court in 2023. Sunsweet quickly removed the case to federal court, claiming Section 301 of the Labor Management Relations Act (LMRA) preempted the claims. U.S. District Judge Daniel Calabretta disagreed and sent the case back to state court.

Sunsweet appealed, but the Ninth Circuit upheld Judge Calabretta’s ruling in August 2025. The appellate panel explained that while CBAs govern certain topics, state labor law protections — such as those regarding overtime, rest breaks, and wage statements — remain enforceable under California statutes.

The Main Question Being Considered: Renteria-Hinojosa v. Sunsweet Growers Inc.

The central question was whether Renteria-Hinojosa’s wage and hour claims were preempted by federal law due to her union’s collective bargaining agreement. The Ninth Circuit ruled they were not. California law provides independent rights that cannot be waived simply by invoking a CBA.

Why This Case Matters: Renteria-Hinojosa v. Sunsweet Growers Inc.

This decision reinforces that California workers can rely on state labor law protections even when covered by a union contract. Employers cannot avoid state court scrutiny by funneling disputes into federal court through LMRA preemption arguments. For farmworkers and other unionized employees, the ruling strengthens access to state-based wage and hour protections.

FAQ: Renteria-Hinojosa v. Sunsweet Growers Inc.

Q: What did Renteria-Hinojosa claim against Sunsweet Growers?

A: She alleged unpaid minimum wages, sick pay, overtime, denied meal/rest breaks, inaccurate wage statements, and a lack of expense reimbursement.

Q: Why did Sunsweet try to move the case to federal court?

A: Sunsweet argued the claims were governed by a collective bargaining agreement, triggering federal jurisdiction under the LMRA.

Q: How did the Ninth Circuit rule on jurisdiction?

A: The Ninth Circuit held the claims belong in California state court because they rely on state labor law protections, not just the CBA.

Q: What does this ruling mean for California workers?

A: It confirms that unionized employees still have enforceable state labor rights and cannot be forced to resolve wage claims only through federal courts.

Q: Why is this case important beyond farmworkers?

A: It sets a precedent that employers can’t misuse CBA preemption to sidestep California’s labor laws, benefiting all unionized workers in the state.

California Workers Should Make it a Priority to Know Their Rights

California’s labor laws provide strong protections for workers, whether or not a union contract covers you. Employers may argue that federal law overrides your rights, but this case shows courts are willing to uphold California protections.

If you believe you have been denied overtime, meal breaks, accurate pay statements, or other rights, the attorneys at Blumenthal Nordrehaug Bhowmik DeBlouw LLP can help. With offices in San Diego, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Sacramento, Riverside, and Chicago, our experienced employment attorneys are ready to fight for you.

Seattle Jury Awards $98 Million in Unpaid Wages Verdict Against Providence Health & Services

In one of the largest wage-and-hour verdicts in recent years, a Seattle jury found Providence Health & Services liable for unpaid wages to thousands of hourly employees. The April 2024 decision highlights how small, routine wage violations (such as missed breaks or time clock rounding) can accumulate to substantial liability for employers and substantial back pay for workers.

Case: Bennett v. Providence Health & Services

Court: King County Superior Court

Case No.: 21-2-13058-1 SEA

The Plaintiff: Bennett v. Providence Health & Services

The plaintiffs in this case were hourly employees of Providence Health & Services. The group is one of the largest hospital systems in the United States. The case represented approximately 33,000 current and former employees who worked across Providence hospitals and healthcare facilities in Washington.

The Defendant: Providence Health & Services

Providence Health & Services is a major nonprofit healthcare organization with hospitals and medical centers throughout Washington and beyond. As an employer of tens of thousands of healthcare workers, Providence was accused of engaging in systemic wage-and-hour violations affecting thousands of nurses and staff.

A History of the Case: Bennett v. Providence Health & Services

The lawsuit alleged Providence used practices that violated Washington wage laws, including:

• Failing to provide a legally required second meal break for employees working shifts longer than 10 hours.

• Using timekeeping systems that “rounded” employees’ work hours in ways that disproportionately benefited the employer.

For example, employees who clocked in a few minutes early or stayed a few minutes late often lost that time entirely under Providence’s rounding policies. Similarly, employees frequently worked through required breaks without being paid. After extensive litigation, a King County jury determined Providence willfully violated wage laws, awarding nearly $98 million in unpaid wages and damages.

The Main Question Being Considered: Bennett v. Providence Health & Services

The key legal question was whether Providence’s timekeeping and break policies violated Washington wage law and deprived employees of earned wages. The case focused on whether the system of rounding and automatic deductions for breaks—even when breaks were not taken—constituted unlawful wage theft.

Even "Small" Labor Law Violations Should Not be Ignored

This case demonstrates that employers cannot dismiss small violations as insignificant. A few missed minutes or overlooked breaks, when applied across tens of thousands of employees, can result in significant liability. It also shows workers that they have the right to challenge unlawful wage practices—even in industries where working through breaks has been normalized.

FAQ: Bennett v. Providence Health & Services

Q: How much was the verdict against Providence Health & Services?

A: The jury awarded nearly $98 million in unpaid wages and damages.

Q: How many employees were affected by the lawsuit?

A: About 33,000 hourly employees across the Providence system in Washington were included in the class.

Q: What were the main violations alleged?

A: Missed meal breaks for long shifts and unlawful rounding practices that shaved minutes off employees’ work time.

Q: What does Washington law require for long shifts?

A: Employees working more than 10 hours should receive a second 30-minute meal break, in addition to standard rest breaks.

Q: Why is this verdict significant for workers?

A: It highlights that “small” violations (like shaving a few minutes or denying breaks) can result in large-scale wage theft and that workers have legal recourse.

Workers Should Take Note of Wage Violations

The Providence case is a strong reminder for California workers that wage violations are often systemic, so even seemingly small or insignificant violations are worth challenging. Small discrepancies in pay can add up over time, particularly when applied to thousands of employees.

If you believe your employer has failed to pay overtime, denied breaks, or used timekeeping systems that shortchange your wages, you should speak with an experienced wage and hour lawyer right away. Get in touch with Blumenthal Nordrehaug Bhowmik DeBlouw LLP, with offices in Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco, Sacramento, Riverside, and Chicago.