In a compelling legal move, three former employees have taken action against their previous employers, alleging severe violations of California's labor laws. On October 22, 2024, Cristian Castro-Martinez, Anthony Gaspar, and Alan Vega filed a complaint in the Superior Court of California for the County of Santa Clara against SJJC FBO Services, LLC and Atlantic Aviation FBO Inc. The plaintiffs accuse these companies of multiple infractions under the Private Attorneys General Act (PAGA), including failure to pay wages and provide legally mandated breaks.
The lawsuit paints a picture of systemic neglect by SJJC FBO Services and Atlantic Aviation FBO Inc., accusing them of failing to compensate employees for all hours worked—encompassing minimum wage, straight time, and overtime. According to the complaint, the defendants also failed to provide required meal periods and rest breaks as per California law. "Defendants maintained a policy and practice of not paying Plaintiffs and Aggrieved Employees for all hours worked," the complaint states. Furthermore, it alleges that these practices were willful and deliberate violations intended to exploit workers' rights.
Cristian Castro-Martinez worked with the defendants from October 2022 until May 2024; Anthony Gaspar was employed during the same period; while Alan Vega has been with them since August 2023. They claim that despite being hourly-paid non-exempt employees in Santa Clara County, they were subjected to illegal practices such as working off-the-clock without compensation. The lawsuit highlights failures by their employers to maintain accurate records of hours worked or meal periods taken—a requirement under California's labor regulations.
The plaintiffs are seeking civil penalties on behalf of themselves and other aggrieved employees who suffered similar fates under these alleged unlawful employment practices. They emphasize that this case is strictly about recovering penalties as permitted by PAGA rather than seeking general damages or restitution. In addition to financial penalties for each violation cited in their suit—including inaccurate wage statements and untimely payment upon termination—the plaintiffs seek injunctive relief compelling compliance with state labor laws moving forward.
Represented by attorneys Justin F. Marquez, Arsiné Grigoryan, and Dorota A. James from Wilshire Law Firm in Los Angeles, the plaintiffs are determined to hold SJJC FBO Services LLC and Atlantic Aviation accountable for what they describe as egregious violations affecting many current or former employees across California counties where these businesses operate.
As this case unfolds before Judge M. Arechiga under Case No.: 24CV450091 at Santa Clara’s Superior Court system—its outcome could set significant precedents regarding employer accountability within aviation service industries operating statewide.