(CNS)
Posted Tuesday January 10, 2012– 11:00am
A judge today gave preliminary approval to a
$500,000 settlement to resolve claims by nearly 2,000 current and former
employees of Wolfgang Puck Catering and Events who alleged wage and hour
violations.
"It seems like it is well done," said Los Angeles Superior Court Judge
Terry Green, who scheduled another hearing for June 25 to consider final
approval of the accord.
The settlement currently involves 1,891 people who have worked for the
company from September 2006 until the present, including drink maker Steven
Calabro. However, plaintiffs' attorney Anthony Orshansky told Green the final
total could be higher.
Calabro filed suit in September 2010 and sought class-action status for
the case. He maintained he and other non-exempt employees were denied
compensation for missed meal periods and rest breaks, were given inaccurate
wage statements and were not paid final wages when due.
"The courage it took to stand up to defendant in this way should not be
underestimated," Orshansky stated in his court papers. "Few people want to
confront their employers, let alone sue them. Plaintiff has now cost defendant
a substantial amount of money through his courage in vindicating his rights and
the rights of past and present workers."
Defense attorney Scott Lidman declined to comment.
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© 2012 City News Service
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