PIZZA SUIT HITS LOS ANGELES AREA PIZZA HUTS AND DOMINOS FRANCHISEES

Tandem lawsuits were filed last month against Pizza Hut and Domino’s pizza franchise owners in the Los Angeles area. Two class action suits, filed on behalf of hourly wage workers, were filed in superior court in Los Angeles County. Pizza delivery drivers and restaurant workers allege that several large pizza franchisees and parent companies, including Pizza Hut of America, Inc., Southern California Pizza Co., LLC, Dominoids, Inc., So-Cal Dominoids, Inc., and H&J Enterprises, Inc., failed to pay overtime wages, forced workers to clock out early even when they remained on the job, and failed to properly document workers’ hours during shifts by changing computer records.

The employees claim that failure by the pizza chains to pay overtime wages was in violation of California labor laws, specifically orders from the California Industrial Welfare Commission. The workers also claim that the pizza chains were involved in deceptive business practices and violations of the Labor Code Private Attorney General Act

The class of employees is seeking restitution and back pay.

So what does this mean for your business if you employ hourly workers, or for you as an individual working an hourly wage job? Under California law, all non-exempt (hourly) employees must be paid by employers for all time worked. Employees must be paid overtime wages for additional hours over a 40-hour workweek. Where non-exempt employees are required to work more than eight hours in a day, or work more than six days in a week, they must be paid 1.5 times the employee’s normal wage for those additional hours. If workers are required to work more than 12 hours in a single workday, or more than eight hours in a seven-day work week, they must be compensated at double time over their regular rate of pay.

If your California business employs hourly workers, and needs advice on employee wages, overtime, and other labor and employment matters, or you are an hourly worker and have not been paid for overtime hours worked, you can turn to Gray & Associates. Attorney Nancy Gray represents California businesses and individuals in all aspects of labor and employment law, including resolving hourly wage disputes, developing policies and best practices for human resources, and addressing potential labor and employment claims. Put a committed, knowledgeable labor and employment attorney to work for your business today. Call Attorney Gray at (310) 452-1211 or visit Gray & Associates online for a free consultation.