The firm defended a contractor against a class action lawsuit based on alleged violations of wage and hour and prevailing wage laws. The lawsuit was brought on behalf of over 400 current and former employees. An object of the litigation was to force the contractor to sign a union contract. The lawsuit sought over $5 million in damages plus attorneys’ fees and Labor Code penalties.
The firm successfully removed the lawsuit from state court to federal court, limited initial discovery, and successfully defended the plaintiffs’ attempts to remand the lawsuit to state court. To avoid costly depositions, a class certification motion, other discovery, and trial, the firm participated early in conferences with a federal magistrate judge.
By addressing the issues and claims early in the litigation, the firm successfully defended the contractor from labor organization efforts and obtained a settlement agreement from plaintiffs including full releases of all claims for the prior four years. The firm provided an efficient and quick resolution of the complex matter, saving the client time and money.
Counsel: Jeffrey B. Baird and Daniel P. Scholz