Arnulfo Lopez has taken legal action against his former employer, a Delaware corporation, alleging multiple violations of California's labor laws. The complaint was filed on January 6, 2025, in the Superior Court of California, County of Santa Clara, against Advanced Drainage Systems, Inc. Lopez is seeking civil penalties under the Private Attorneys General Act (PAGA) for what he claims are numerous labor code violations that affected him and other aggrieved employees.
The lawsuit details several allegations against Advanced Drainage Systems, Inc., including failure to pay for all hours worked—covering minimum wage, straight time, and overtime wages—as well as failing to provide meal and rest periods as required by law. Lopez accuses the company of not maintaining accurate records of hours worked and meal periods taken or missed. He also claims that they failed to furnish accurate wage statements and did not indemnify employees for necessary expenditures incurred during their employment. Furthermore, the complaint highlights that the company did not produce requested employment records in a timely manner.
Lopez’s attorney argues that these actions violate various sections of the California Labor Code and have caused economic harm to him and other similarly situated employees. According to the complaint, "Defendants' violations... were willful and deliberate," which justifies seeking penalties under PAGA. The lawsuit emphasizes that this case is solely about recovering civil penalties rather than general damages or restitution.
The plaintiff seeks several forms of relief from the court: a declaration that Advanced Drainage Systems violated labor laws; an award of civil penalties on behalf of himself, other aggrieved employees, and the State of California; pre-judgment and post-judgment interest; attorneys’ fees; costs reasonably incurred; and injunctive relief as allowed by PAGA.
Representing Arnulfo Lopez are attorneys John G. Yslas and Fawn F. Bekam from Wilshire Law Firm based in Los Angeles. The case is being reviewed under Case No.: 25CV455778 at the Superior Court of California in Santa Clara County.