A former employee has taken legal action against a California corporation, alleging multiple violations of labor laws. On April 1, 2025, Michael Vincent Moreno Jr. filed a complaint in the Superior Court of California, County of San Francisco, against TDG Inc., claiming wrongful termination and other labor code violations.
The case unfolds with Moreno accusing TDG Inc. of retaliatory dismissal after he voiced concerns about workplace practices that violated California labor laws. According to the complaint, Moreno worked as a bartender from March 15, 2016, until his termination on May 10, 2024. He reported directly to supervisors Ryan Sherman, Ross Crumm, and Nick Kealiey. His grievances included consistent late payment of wages and lack of meal and rest breaks due to understaffing. Moreno claims he was wrongfully accused of theft from the tip jar shortly after making these complaints, suggesting his termination was retaliatory.
Moreno’s lawsuit details several alleged breaches by TDG Inc., including failure to pay overtime compensation for shifts exceeding twelve hours and neglecting to reimburse work-related expenses incurred using his personal cell phone. The plaintiff asserts that these actions not only caused financial instability but also emotional distress due to continuous late payments and unfulfilled wage promises over years of employment.
The complaint further outlines how Moreno regularly worked beyond scheduled hours without proper compensation or breaks mandated by law. In particular, during 2020, he claims he received no regular wages for an entire year except for tips—a stark violation according to California's labor regulations.
In seeking redress from the court, Moreno demands compensatory damages for unpaid wages and penalties under various sections of the California Labor Code. He also seeks punitive damages against TDG Inc., arguing their conduct was maliciously intended to harm him professionally and personally. Additionally, he requests statutory damages up to $10,000 per violation under specific whistleblower protection statutes.
Represented by Andrea Pearce from Lawyers for Employee and Consumer Rights based in Burbank, CA, Moreno is pushing for a jury trial demanding comprehensive restitution including back pay with interest, attorney fees, and injunctive relief compelling TDG Inc. to produce employment records. The case is presided over under Case No: CGC-25-623873 in the Superior Court of San Francisco County.