A recent court filing reveals a complex legal battle involving alleged labor violations that could have significant implications for workers' rights in California. The complaint, filed by Alvin Yarbrough on December 26, 2024, in the Superior Court of California, County of Santa Clara, targets LTA Research and Exploration LLC, accusing the company of numerous violations under the Labor Code Private Attorneys General Act (PAGA) of 2004.
Alvin Yarbrough, representing himself and other aggrieved employees, claims that LTA Research has systematically violated various sections of the California Labor Code. The allegations include failure to pay overtime wages, not providing meal and rest breaks as required by law, and failing to issue accurate wage statements. Yarbrough asserts that these practices have affected all non-exempt employees within the company during what is termed as the "Civil Penalty Period," which extends three years prior to the filing date and continues indefinitely.
The lawsuit details a litany of alleged infractions. For instance, it accuses LTA Research of compelling employees to work off-the-clock without proper compensation for pre-shift or post-shift activities such as donning safety gear or attending meetings. Furthermore, Yarbrough alleges that employees were not compensated for overtime at the correct rate due to improper calculation methods that excluded bonuses and other forms of remuneration from their regular pay rate.
Yarbrough's complaint also highlights purported failures in providing legally mandated meal and rest periods. Employees were allegedly required to remain on-call during breaks or perform tasks such as security checks without compensation. These practices are claimed to be in direct violation of multiple sections of the Labor Code including sections 226.7 and 512.
In addition to seeking civil penalties for these alleged violations under PAGA—which allows aggrieved employees to sue for labor code violations on behalf of themselves and other affected workers—Yarbrough is also pursuing reasonable attorneys’ fees and costs associated with bringing this action forward.
The complaint underscores serious accusations against LTA Research concerning unlawful employment practices beyond wage-related issues. It alleges that minors were employed in hazardous conditions contrary to state regulations outlined in Labor Code sections 1290 through 1301. Moreover, it accuses the company of enforcing illegal confidentiality agreements that prevent employees from discussing their working conditions or wages with prospective employers—an act seen as stifling competition and violating Business and Professions Code section 17200.
Representing Yarbrough is Bibiyan Law Group P.C., with attorneys David D. Bibiyan and Courtney M. Miller leading the charge against LTA Research. The case is presided over by Judge L. Ayala under Case ID: 24CV455006.