Grocery store employees in San Jose have filed a class-action lawsuit against their employer, alleging systematic wage theft and violations of California labor laws. Gonzalo Perez Pinto initiated the complaint on February 24, 2025, in the Superior Court of California, County of Santa Clara, against Lion Foods LLC. The lawsuit highlights alleged unlawful practices by the grocery chain that affect its non-exempt employees.
The complaint accuses Lion Foods LLC of various labor law violations, including failure to provide required meal and rest breaks, failure to pay overtime and minimum wages, and failure to maintain accurate records. Gonzalo Perez Pinto, who worked as a bagger for the company from March 2023 to May 2024 at $18 per hour, claims that he and other employees were routinely denied legally mandated breaks due to understaffing and excessive workloads. "Defendant has implemented unlawful policies with respect to meal and rest breaks," the complaint states. Employees were allegedly required to work through these breaks or remain on call during them.
Perez Pinto's lawsuit seeks declaratory relief and compensation for unpaid wages for himself and all similarly situated current and former non-exempt employees. The complaint outlines numerous causes of action under California law, including unfair business practices under the Business & Professions Code §17200 et seq., seeking restitution for wages lost due to these alleged illegal practices. Additionally, the suit demands penalties under the Labor Code Private Attorneys General Act (PAGA) for civil penalties related to labor code violations.
The plaintiffs are asking for compensatory damages, restitution of unpaid wages, injunctive relief to prevent further violations by Lion Foods LLC, waiting time penalties for late wage payments upon termination or resignation, statutory penalties for inaccurate wage statements, interest on unpaid wages, sick leave owed, attorneys' fees and costs associated with bringing this action. They also seek certification of their claims as a class action to address widespread grievances among affected employees.
Representing Perez Pinto is The Wheeler Law Firm APC with attorneys Scott Ernest Wheeler and Justin A. Wheeler leading the case. The matter is being reviewed by Judge J. Nguyen under Case Number 25CV459657 in Santa Clara County Superior Court.