In a significant legal development, a California resident has taken action against a well-known restaurant chain for alleged labor violations. On January 21, 2025, Brian Lopez Jimenez filed a complaint in the Superior Court of California, County of Santa Clara, against C & H 888, Inc., doing business as IHOP. The lawsuit accuses the company of multiple infractions under the Private Attorneys General Act (PAGA), highlighting serious concerns about employee rights and fair labor practices.
Brian Lopez Jimenez, represented by Wilshire Law Firm attorneys John G. Yslas and Fawn F. Bekam, claims that C & H 888, Inc. failed to adhere to several provisions of the California Labor Code. According to the complaint, these violations include not paying employees for all hours worked—including minimum wage and overtime—failing to provide meal and rest periods as required by law, not maintaining accurate records of hours worked and wages paid, and failing to furnish accurate wage statements. The complaint further alleges that IHOP did not reimburse employees for necessary expenditures incurred during their employment.
The plaintiff argues that these practices are part of a broader pattern of willful misconduct by IHOP and its associated entities. "Defendants were on actual and constructive notice of the improprieties alleged herein," states the complaint, accusing them of intentionally refusing to rectify their unlawful conduct. As such, Jimenez is seeking civil penalties on behalf of himself and other aggrieved employees who have been similarly affected by these alleged violations.
Jimenez's lawsuit seeks various forms of relief from the court. He requests that the court declare IHOP's actions as violations of the California Labor Code and award civil penalties under PAGA. Additionally, he seeks injunctive relief to prevent future violations, along with attorney’s fees and costs incurred during litigation. The case underscores the critical role PAGA plays in enabling employees to seek redress for labor code violations on behalf of themselves and others.
This case highlights ongoing challenges within certain sectors regarding compliance with labor laws designed to protect workers' rights. By bringing this representative action under PAGA, Jimenez aims not only to secure justice for himself but also to hold employers accountable for systemic labor law breaches affecting numerous employees across California.
The legal proceedings are being overseen by Judge P. Hernandez under Case ID 25CV456936 in Santa Clara County's Superior Court. This case could potentially set a precedent for similar lawsuits if successful in demonstrating widespread non-compliance with state labor regulations.