In a gripping legal battle, an individual has filed a lawsuit against a major corporation, alleging wrongful termination and a series of labor law violations. The complaint was filed by Aaron Burgess in the Superior Court of California, County of Santa Clara, on March 3, 2025, against Air Products and Chemicals, Inc., a Delaware Corporation. The case brings to light serious accusations of unfair employment practices and retaliation.
Aaron Burgess claims that his former employer, Air Products and Chemicals, Inc., engaged in multiple unlawful activities during his tenure as a truck driver from January 3, 2018, to June 10, 2022. Burgess alleges that he faced retaliation after reporting a workplace injury and was wrongfully terminated under false pretenses. According to the complaint, Burgess worked long hours transporting hazardous materials without receiving proper wages or meal and rest breaks. He contends that his direct supervisor showed favoritism towards another employee while subjecting him to a hostile work environment. On June 9, 2022, Burgess reported an injury caused by tripping over an unattended bag but received no remedial action from his supervisor. Instead, he was terminated the following day for allegedly using his phone at work—a claim he disputes as part of his job duties required phone use for navigation and communication.
The lawsuit outlines several causes of action including wrongful termination in violation of public policy, whistleblower retaliation under California Labor Code §§ 1102.5 & 98.6, failure to pay meal period compensation under Cal. Lab. Code § 226.7, failure to pay rest break compensation under Cal. Lab. Code § 226.7, failure to pay earned wages under Cal. Lab. Code §§ 204 et seq., failure to pay overtime compensation under Cal. Lab. Code §§ 510 & 1194 among others.
Burgess is seeking various forms of relief from the court including payment for earned wages and overtime compensation; statutory penalties; civil penalties up to $10,000 per violation; attorney’s fees; punitive damages; restitution; disgorgement of profits gained through unfair business practices; and other damages deemed appropriate by the court.
The attorneys representing Aaron Burgess are Peter J. Horton and Tara Aleagha from Lawyers for Employee and Consumer Rights based in Burbank, CA. The case is being reviewed by Judge M. Suarez with Case ID: 25CV460230.