A former employee has launched a class-action lawsuit against a prominent educational corporation, alleging significant labor law violations. The complaint was filed by Cari Blain on November 25, 2024, in the Superior Court of California, County of Santa Clara, targeting Spring Education Group, Inc., and Leport Solana Beach LLC.
The lawsuit accuses the defendants of failing to pay minimum and overtime wages, not providing meal and rest periods as required by law, issuing inaccurate wage statements, and not reimbursing business expenses. Blain claims these actions violate various sections of the California Labor Code. She worked as an administrative assistant from June 2023 to August 2024 at a private school operated by Spring Education Group in Solana Beach. Blain argues that she was regularly required to work more than eight hours a day without proper compensation for overtime or breaks. "Defendants failed to compensate Plaintiff and Class Members for all hours worked," states the complaint.
Blain's allegations extend beyond her personal experience; she is representing all similarly situated non-exempt employees who have worked for Spring Education Group across California over the past four years. The lawsuit outlines systemic issues such as automatic deductions for meal periods that were not taken and time-rounding practices that shortchanged employees' paychecks. Furthermore, it highlights failures in reimbursing employees for business expenses like uniforms and mobile phone usage required for work tasks.
The plaintiff seeks various forms of relief from the court: unpaid wages with interest, liquidated damages under California labor laws, statutory penalties for each violation of wage statement requirements, reimbursement of business expenses incurred by employees without compensation, and attorney fees. Additionally, Blain demands injunctive relief to prevent further violations by ensuring compliance with state labor laws.
Representing Blain are attorneys Jamie K. Serb, Brandon Brouillette, and Zachary M. Crosner from Crosner Legal PC based in Beverly Hills. The case is being reviewed under Case ID 24CV452589 by Judge P. Hernandez.