Janet Ariana Fabela Mata, a former employee of a California-based restaurant, has filed a lawsuit against her previous employer for multiple labor violations. The complaint was lodged on December 9, 2024, in the Superior Court of California, County of Santa Clara, against Mexican Street Food, LLC. Mata alleges that during her tenure as a line cook from February 17, 2021, to April 1, 2024, she was subjected to numerous labor law infractions.
The plaintiff's case centers around several allegations of misconduct by Mexican Street Food, LLC. Mata claims that the company failed to provide statutory meal and rest breaks as mandated by California Labor Code §§ 226.7 and 512. According to the complaint, Mata often had to work through her breaks due to high customer demand and insufficient staffing at the restaurant located at 2752 Augustine Drive #110 in Santa Clara. She asserts that despite being aware of these violations, the company did not compensate her with premium pay for missed breaks as required by law.
Furthermore, Mata accuses Mexican Street Food of failing to reimburse business expenses under Labor Code § 2802. She alleges that she was required to use her personal cellphone for work-related communications via a company group chat on WhatsApp but was never compensated for this expense. Additionally, Mata contends that she received inaccurate wage statements throughout her employment due to these violations.
The complaint also highlights the company's failure to timely pay all wages upon termination of employment in violation of Labor Code §§ 201 and 203. Upon leaving the company on April 1, 2024, Mata claims she did not receive all owed wages promptly. This delay has led her to seek waiting time penalties as stipulated under California law.
Mata is seeking compensatory damages for unpaid wages and penalties associated with these alleged labor code violations. She is also pursuing injunctive relief to prevent further unlawful practices by Mexican Street Food and demands reimbursement for attorney fees and court costs incurred during this legal battle.
Representing Janet Ariana Fabela Mata are attorneys Justin Lo and May T. To from Work Lawyers PC based in Torrance, CA. The case is presided over by Judge M. Bui under Case ID: 24CV453573.