A former employee has taken legal action against a company for alleged labor violations, bringing attention to the broader issue of workers' rights and employer responsibilities. On January 21, 2025, Liw Saetern filed a complaint in the Superior Court of California, County of Santa Clara, against Orepac Holding Company. The case highlights serious allegations regarding wage and hour laws under the Private Attorneys General Act (PAGA).
The lawsuit filed by Liw Saetern accuses Orepac Holding Company of numerous violations of California's labor laws during her employment from March 2022 to March 2024. Saetern claims that the company failed to pay for all hours worked, including minimum and overtime wages, did not provide proper meal and rest periods, neglected to maintain accurate records of hours worked, and failed to furnish accurate wage statements. The complaint further alleges that Orepac did not indemnify employees for necessary expenditures or produce requested employment records in a timely manner. "Defendants’ violations were willful and deliberate," states the complaint, underscoring the seriousness of these accusations.
The plaintiff is seeking civil penalties on behalf of herself and other aggrieved employees under PAGA. This act allows employees to sue for civil penalties on behalf of themselves and other affected workers when employers violate labor laws. Saetern's complaint does not seek general damages but focuses solely on penalties as permitted by California Labor Code Section 2699. The case emphasizes that these alleged practices have harmed many employees who worked as hourly-paid or non-exempt staff within the applicable period.
Saetern’s legal representation is handled by Wilshire Law Firm with attorneys John G. Yslas and Fawn F. Bekam leading the charge. They argue that Orepac Holding Company had actual and constructive notice of their unlawful conduct yet refused to rectify it. The lawsuit seeks various forms of relief including declaratory relief, injunctive relief, pre-judgment and post-judgment interest at the maximum rate allowed, attorneys’ fees and costs reasonably incurred, along with any other relief deemed proper by the court.
The presiding judge over this case is not named in the document provided; however, it is filed under Case No.: 25CV456931 in Santa Clara County’s Superior Court. This lawsuit brings into focus significant issues surrounding compliance with labor laws designed to protect workers' rights across California.