A former employee has filed a class action lawsuit against a major real estate investment firm, alleging widespread labor violations. On December 30, 2024, Lisa Jamison submitted the complaint to the Superior Court of California in Santa Clara County against Hines Living US LLC and its affiliates.
The lawsuit accuses the defendants of multiple violations of California labor laws, including unpaid overtime, failure to provide meal and rest periods, non-compliant wage statements, and unreimbursed business expenses. Jamison claims that during her employment from June 2022 to May 2024 as a Resident Liaison and Concierge at the company's properties in San Francisco and Oakland, she was regularly required to work off-the-clock without compensation. "Defendants pressured employees to record only their scheduled hours rather than actual hours worked," the complaint states. This practice allegedly led to unpaid overtime as Jamison often worked more than eight hours a day or forty hours a week.
The plaintiff further alleges that Hines Living US LLC failed to provide proper meal and rest breaks due to understaffing and heavy workloads. Employees were reportedly required to carry company-issued walkie-talkies at all times, even during breaks, effectively preventing them from taking uninterrupted rest periods. The complaint also highlights that the company did not reimburse employees for necessary business expenses such as using personal mobile devices for work-related communications.
Jamison seeks various forms of relief from the court, including unpaid wages with interest, statutory penalties for each violation of California's labor laws, and attorneys' fees. She also demands that Hines implement policies ensuring compliance with state labor regulations.
Representing Jamison are attorneys Bevin Allen Pike, Daniel S. Jonathan, Trisha K. Monesi, and Shealene P. Mancuso from Capstone Law APC. The case is being reviewed by Judge J. Nguyen under Case No.: 24CV455228.