Firm Prevails in Class Action Wage and Hour Lawsuit

Robert L. Rediger and Laura C. McHugh convinced a jury in Sacramento Superior Court to reject the wage and hour claims of two former employees who had been employed by Marquee Fire Protection Company.   The plaintiffs had brought a class action lawsuit on behalf of themselves and other sprinkler fitters alleging that their employer had violated various California wage and hour laws in connection with their employment.  The action had been certified as a class action, but on the Defendants' motion made shortly before trial, the action was decertified. The matter proceeded to a two week trial with the plaintiffs alleging 1) a violation of California's unfair competition law, 2) failure to pay wages, 3) failure to pay overtime, 3) failure to provide accurate wage statements, and 4) failure to provide rest breaks and meal periods.  On August 28, 2008, the jury returned verdicts rejecting each cause of action.