In a significant legal development, a former employee has filed a lawsuit against her previous employer, alleging multiple violations of California's labor laws. Mary Joy Ramos initiated the complaint on January 6, 2025, in the Superior Court of California, County of Santa Clara, targeting W.L. Gore & Associates, Inc., a Delaware corporation. The case centers around alleged breaches under the Private Attorneys General Act (PAGA), with Ramos seeking civil penalties for herself and other aggrieved employees.
Mary Joy Ramos, represented by Wilshire Law Firm attorneys John G. Yslas and Fawn F. Bekam, claims that W.L. Gore & Associates failed to comply with several provisions of the California Labor Code during her employment from April 2018 to July 2024. The allegations include failure to pay for all hours worked—encompassing minimum wage, straight time, and overtime—failure to provide meal and rest periods as mandated by law, and failure to maintain accurate records of hours worked and wages paid. "Defendants' violations were willful and deliberate," states the complaint, highlighting that these practices affected not only Ramos but also other hourly-paid or non-exempt employees who worked for the company during the relevant period.
The complaint further accuses W.L. Gore & Associates of failing to furnish accurate wage statements and timely payment of final wages upon termination of employment. Additionally, it alleges that the company did not indemnify employees for necessary expenditures incurred in direct discharge of their duties—a requirement under California law—and failed to produce requested employment records within the statutory timeframe.
Ramos seeks civil penalties on behalf of herself and similarly aggrieved employees under PAGA's provisions. The lawsuit does not aim for general or special damages but focuses solely on recovering penalties allowed by California Labor Code Section 2699. The plaintiff also requests injunctive relief to prevent future violations by W.L. Gore & Associates.
The legal action underscores broader issues within workplace compliance with state labor laws aimed at protecting workers' rights in California's job market. It reflects ongoing challenges faced by employees in ensuring fair treatment regarding compensation and working conditions.
Representing Mary Joy Ramos are attorneys John G. Yslas and Fawn F. Bekam from Wilshire Law Firm PLC. The case is presided over by Judge J. Nguyen under Case No.: 25CV455845.