Wage & Hour Violations: Did Soapy Joe's Violate Labor Law?

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In recent news, Soapy Joe's is facing a lawsuit alleging they violated labor law's wage and hour requirements.

The Case: Makiya Epps & Tessie Haley vs. Soapy Joe's Group, Inc.

The Court: San Diego County Superior Court

The Case No.: 37-2022-00013622-CU-OE-CTL

The Plaintiff: Epps & Haley vs. Soapy Joe's

The plaintiffs, Makiya Epps and Tessie Haley, claim that Soapy Joe's engaged in a pattern of wage and hour violations as a part of their regular business practices. According to the class action lawsuit, the plaintiff believes that the company knowingly engaged in labor law violations to decrease employment-related costs.

Minimum Wage: How Employers Violate California Labor Law

In California, the minimum wage is set by state law (higher than the federal minimum) and varies depending on the business size and location. As of 2024, California employers who employ more than 25 employees are required to pay minimum wage of $15.50 per hour. However, some cities and counties have established a higher minimum wage applicable in their area. Employees should pay attention to make sure their employer is not paying an hourly wage less than the applicable minimum wage, making improper deductions from employee wages, requiring employees to work "off the clock," miscalculating wages for tipped employees (in California, tipped employees are paid the full minimum wage before tips, unlike various other states that allow a lower minimum wage). Labor law violations can lead to required back payment of wages, fines, interest (payable to the affected employees), and potential legal action from the state labor enforcement agencies.

The Defendant: Epps & Haley vs. Soapy Joe's

The defendant, Soapy Joe's, faces multiple allegations of labor law violations, including failing to:

  • offer eligible employees required meal breaks and rest periods (off the clock)

  • pay minimum wage

  • pay accurate overtime wages

  • pay accurate sick pay and overtime pay rates

  • provide reimbursement for necessary business expenses

  • create and maintain accurate records and provide accurate itemized wage statements

  • pay wages on time

The plaintiff in the case alleges that the company's behavior violated California Labor Code Sections §§ 201, 202, 203, 204, 206.5, 210, 226, 226.7, 246, 510, 512, 558, 1194, 1197, 1197.1, 1198 & 2802.

The Case: Epps & Haley vs. Soapy Joe's

The case, Epps & Haley vs. Soapy Joe's, alleges Soapy Joe's violated the California Labor Code by failing to pay workers for all their work hours. The case is currently pending in the San Diego County Superior Court.

If you have questions about filing a California wage and hour class action lawsuit, please contact Blumenthal Nordrehaug Bhowmik DeBlouw LLP. Skilled employment law attorneys can assist you at various law firm offices in San Diego, San Francisco, Sacramento, Los Angeles, Riverside, and Chicago.