A recent wage and hour case in LA County questions whether one of the local private colleges violated labor law. A former employee's class action alleges multiple violations.

The Case: Rosangela Torres v. Cogswell College, LLC

The Court: California's Los Angeles County Superior Court

The Case No.: 22STCV00409

The Plaintiffs: Rosangela Torres v. Cogswell College, LLC

The plaintiff in the case, Rosangela Torres, worked at the university from March 2022 through May 2023. During her employment, she claims that Cogswell College/University of Silicon Valley's employees had to face rigorous work schedules that prevented them from being fully relieved during their off-duty meal breaks and rest periods. Allegedly, employees at the university were required to work without receiving legally required meal breaks and rest periods. Additionally, the plaintiff claims the employer did not provide the specified compensation for missed breaks as required by labor law.

California Labor Law Rest Period Requirements: What Should Employees Expect?

California employers must provide their workers with a ten-minute rest period for a 2-4 hour shift. Employers must provide are required to provide workers with two rest periods (of at least 10 minutes) for shifts worked between six and eight hours. When employees work a shift of more than 10 hours, employers must provide them with three rest breaks (of at least 10 minutes). When California employees don't receive their rest breaks, labor law requires employers to compensate them with one hour of pay.

The Defendant: Cogswell College, LLC

The defendant in the case, Cogswell College, LLC, is also called the University of Silicon Valley. Torres, a former employee, alleges that the university's standard business practices violate labor law.

The Allegations: Included in the Class Action

Failing to provide employees with off-duty rest periods and meal breaks
Failing to pay minimum wages
Failing to pay overtime wages
Failing to reimburse for required business expenses
Failing to provide wages when due
Failing to provide accurate itemized wage statements

The Case: Rosangela Torres v. Cogswell College, LLC

The plaintiff claims that employees were subjected to numerous wage and hour violations due to overburdened work requirements and inadequate staffing at the university. The case is currently pending in LA County Superior Court.

If you have questions about filing a California class action lawsuit, please get in touch with Blumenthal Nordrehaug Bhowmik DeBlouw LLP. Their experienced employment law attorneys are ready to assist you in various law firm offices in San Francisco, San Diego, Sacramento, Los Angeles, Riverside, and Chicago.