Case Background

Louis Arriola worked as a non-exempt warehouse employee for Lifetime Brands, Inc. in Rialto, California. The company manufactured and supplied cutlery, silverware, and other products in the state. Arriola represented himself and other employees in a class action alleging systemic wage-and-hour violations.

Cause

The dispute arose from company policies on timekeeping, pay calculations, and breaks. Arriola alleged Lifetime Brands rounded and shaved employee time entries, resulting in unpaid work hours and overtime. The company allegedly excluded non-discretionary bonuses and other compensation from regular rate calculations for overtime and sick pay. He claimed employees missed legally compliant meal and rest periods and were denied premium pay at the proper regular rate. Wage statements were allegedly inaccurate, and final wages were not paid on time after employment ended. These practices allegedly violated multiple California Labor Code sections and Industrial Welfare Commission Wage Orders.

Injury

Arriola and other employees lost earnings from unpaid minimum wages, overtime, sick pay, and break premiums. They were deprived of timely, uninterrupted breaks. They received wage statements that failed to list correct hours, rates, and amounts owed. Employees who left the company allegedly did