A long-time employee has taken legal action against his former employer, alleging a series of labor law violations. Apolinar Bejar filed a complaint in the Superior Court of California, County of Santa Clara, on March 7, 2025, accusing Michael Germono Bayside Commercial Caseworks of failing to adhere to several employment laws. The lawsuit sheds light on the challenges faced by workers who feel their rights have been overlooked and seeks justice for alleged mistreatment.
Apolinar Bejar, a resident of Gilroy, California, claims that during his 34-year tenure as a carpenter with Bayside Commercial Caseworks, he was subjected to numerous violations of labor laws. According to the complaint, Bejar's employment was terminated on December 12, 2023. He asserts that throughout his employment, he regularly worked more than ten hours per day and often six or more days per week without receiving appropriate overtime compensation. The complaint alleges that the defendant failed to pay minimum wages for all hours worked and did not provide required meal periods or pay premiums for missed breaks. "Defendant acted intentionally, oppressively, and maliciously toward Plaintiff," states the lawsuit.
The legal action is based on several causes: failure to pay minimum wages as per California Labor Code section 1194; failure to compensate for overtime and double time under section 510; neglecting to provide meal periods according to sections 226.7 and 512(a); waiting time penalties due to non-payment of final wages at termination; and violation of unfair competition law under Business and Professions Code section 17200. Bejar contends that these actions were part of an ongoing pattern by Bayside Commercial Caseworks that deprived him and potentially other employees of their rightful earnings.
Bejar seeks various forms of relief from the court. He requests unpaid wages with interest, liquidated damages equal to withheld minimum wages, civil penalties under multiple sections of the California Labor Code, and reasonable attorney fees and costs. Additionally, he demands restitution for unfair business practices along with injunctive relief prohibiting further violations by the defendants.
Representing Apolinar Bejar are attorneys Gregory P. Wong and Mariana Fernandez from Lyfe Law LLP in Los Angeles. The case is presided over by Judge J. Nguyen under case number 25CV460592 in the Superior Court of California.