A restaurant employee has filed a lawsuit against her employer, alleging a slew of labor violations that paint a troubling picture of workplace conditions. The complaint was lodged by Jhonedythe Salazar on February 4, 2025, in the Superior Court of California, County of Santa Clara, targeting Mylapore, Inc., Jay Jayaraman, and other unnamed defendants.
Salazar's legal action accuses Mylapore, Inc., where she works as a cleaner, dishwasher, and greeter since April 2024, of numerous infractions against California labor laws. She claims that the company systematically failed to compensate her and other employees for all hours worked, including minimum wage and overtime pay. According to the complaint, "Mylapore had a company policy wherein they would disproportionately round down the number of hours worked," leading to what is described as "time shaving." Furthermore, Salazar alleges that she was often required to work "off the clock" due to delayed restaurant openings and interruptions during meal breaks caused by customer influxes.
The complaint outlines several additional grievances: failure to provide accurate wage statements or reimburse business expenses like uniforms and personal cell phone use for work purposes; unlawful tip collection practices; retaliation following complaints about these violations; and inadequate rest and meal breaks. Specifically citing violations under California Labor Code sections 203, 226.7, 1194 among others, Salazar asserts that these practices were not isolated incidents but part of a broader pattern affecting many employees at various locations.
Salazar seeks restitution for unpaid wages exceeding $35,000 along with penalties under the Private Attorneys General Act (PAGA), which allows employees to sue for labor code violations on behalf of themselves and other aggrieved workers. The lawsuit demands general damages according to proof at trial as well as special damages for unpaid wages including overtime compensation. Additionally sought are punitive damages against Mylapore Inc., attorney’s fees pursuant to applicable laws such as Labor Code section 2698 et seq., costs incurred in this suit along with interest allowed by law.
Representing Salazar are attorneys Harout Messrelian and Maralle Messrelian from Messrelian Law Inc., based in Glendale, California. The case is being reviewed by Judge J. Nguyen under Case No. 25CV458160.