In a compelling legal battle, a former employee has taken significant action against a hotel group for alleged labor violations. Aguila Tobias Acosta filed a complaint on January 21, 2025, in the Superior Court of California, County of Santa Clara, accusing La Playa Hotel Group, LLC of multiple breaches under the Private Attorneys General Act (PAGA).
Aguila Tobias Acosta, who worked as an hourly-paid, non-exempt employee from March 2019 to January 2024 at La Playa Hotel Group, claims that the company failed to adhere to California's strict wage-and-hour laws. The lawsuit alleges that the defendants did not pay for all hours worked, including minimum and overtime wages. Furthermore, it accuses them of failing to provide legally mandated meal and rest periods and neglecting to maintain accurate records of hours worked. "Defendants' violations...were willful and deliberate," states the complaint.
The plaintiff contends that these actions have harmed numerous employees classified as "Aggrieved Employees" under PAGA. Acosta seeks civil penalties on behalf of himself and other affected employees for these alleged violations. The complaint emphasizes that California's wage-and-hour laws are crucial for maintaining a stable job market and protecting workers' rights.
Among the specific allegations are claims that La Playa Hotel Group required employees to work off-the-clock during meal periods without compensation and failed to authorize rest breaks as mandated by law. Additionally, it is alleged that they did not pay all earned wages twice per month or timely pay final wages upon termination. The failure to furnish accurate wage statements further compounded these issues.
Acosta is seeking civil penalties under various sections of the California Labor Code through this representative action under PAGA. The relief sought includes declaratory and injunctive relief, pre-judgment and post-judgment interest, attorneys’ fees, costs incurred during litigation, and any other relief deemed appropriate by the court.
Representing Aguila Tobias Acosta are attorneys John G. Yslas and Fawn F. Bekam from Wilshire Law Firm PLC. The case is presided over by Judge C. Roman with Case ID: 25CV456929.