In a dramatic legal confrontation, two former employees have taken on a well-known grocery chain, alleging severe workplace misconduct. The complaint was filed by Alli Johnson and Yessenia Sanchez in the Superior Court of California, County of Santa Clara, on April 8, 2025, against Trader Joe's Company. The lawsuit accuses the company of fostering a hostile work environment through sexual harassment and discrimination while failing to take corrective action.
The plaintiffs claim that Carlos Vasquez Garnica, a colleague at Trader Joe's Store #127 in Los Altos, California, engaged in persistent and unwelcome sexual advances towards them. According to the court documents, Vasquez's behavior included inappropriate touching and verbal harassment that made both women feel unsafe. Johnson alleges that Vasquez followed her around the store and made repeated attempts to kiss her despite her clear objections. Sanchez recounts similar experiences of harassment and adds that Vasquez made derogatory comments about her race and gender.
Despite multiple complaints to management and human resources at Trader Joe's, both Johnson and Sanchez assert that no meaningful action was taken to address their concerns. They allege that their reports were ignored or inadequately investigated, leading them to believe that the company condoned such behavior. In response to their continued discomfort and fear for personal safety, both women eventually transferred to another store location but claim this move resulted in longer commutes and reduced pay due to increased travel costs.
The plaintiffs are seeking compensatory damages for emotional distress and lost wages resulting from what they describe as constructive discharge—a situation where working conditions become so intolerable that an employee feels compelled to resign. They also demand punitive damages for what they perceive as Trader Joe's willful neglect of its duty to provide a safe work environment free from harassment.
Representing the plaintiffs is Nicole K. Ricotta from Anticouni & Ricotta PC based in Santa Barbara. The case is presided over by Judge M. Arechiga under Case No.: 25CV462946.