Class Action Suit Filed Against John Stewart Company Over Wage Violations and Rest Periods

Class Action Lawsuit Against John Stewart Company

On February 10, 2025, a class action lawsuit was filed by Zakay Law Group and JCL Law Firm against John Stewart Company in the San Francisco County Superior Court. The complaint claims multiple violations of California Labor Code, particularly concerning the provision of meal and rest breaks as mandated by law.

Allegations of Labor Code Violations

The lawsuit, classified as Case No. CGC-25-621988, accuses John Stewart Company of a series of negligent practices affecting the proper remuneration of its employees. According to the complaint, the company allegedly failed to:
1. Pay Minimum Wages: Many employees did not receive the legally mandated minimum wage for all hours worked.
2. Pay Overtime Wages: Employees also reported not receiving overtime pay for hours worked beyond the standard workweek.
3. Provide Meal and Rest Periods: The company reportedly did not provide required off-duty meal and rest intervals, which are protections afforded to every employee under California law.
4. Issue Accurate Wage Statements: The lawsuit claims there were discrepancies in itemized wage statements, making it difficult for employees to verify their earnings.
5. Compensate for Work Performed Off-Duty: Employees were allegedly required to work before and after scheduled shifts, as well as during unpaid meal breaks, without compensation for this time.
6. Reimburse Necessary Expenses: The complaint also highlights a lack of reimbursement for necessary expenses incurred by employees while performing job-related duties.

Under the California Labor Code, employers are obligated to compensate employees for all time worked. The law defines work hours as the period when employees are under an employer's control, which includes any time they are permitted to work, even if not explicitly required. In this case, the lawsuit emphasizes that John Stewart Company controlled the work hours of its employees, failing to provide compensation for work performed off-the-clock.

Call for Justice

Attorney Jackland Hom, representing the plaintiffs, commented on the importance of fair labor practices and the right of employees to receive due compensation for their work. He noted, “Every worker deserves to be treated with dignity and compensated correctly for their labor, including breaks mandated by labor regulations.”

Both Zakay Law Group and JCL Law Firm are recognized for their commitment to advocating for employees’ rights, focusing on cases related to wage and hour disputes, wrongful termination, discrimination, and retaliation. They encourage any employee who believes they have been subjected to unfair labor practices to contact their offices for legal support.

The litigation against John Stewart Company seeks to rectify the alleged wrongdoings and aims to ensure that all workers receive the protections they are entitled to under California law.

For further inquiries regarding the lawsuit against John Stewart Company, individuals can reach out directly to attorney Jackland Hom at (619) 255-9047.

Conclusion

This class action highlights the continuing struggle for fair labor practices in California, a state known for its robust employee protections. As the case unfolds, it will be crucial to observe the outcomes and potential changes in the practices of John Stewart Company and similar organizations.