A former finance manager has filed a lawsuit against his previous employer, alleging multiple violations of labor laws and discriminatory practices. On May 1, 2025, Lakhbir Pahal filed a complaint in the Superior Court of California, County of Santa Clara, against UAG Capitol, Inc., Capitol Honda, and unnamed defendants. The lawsuit claims wrongful termination, harassment based on age and medical condition, and several breaches of employment law.
Lakhbir Pahal worked as a Finance Manager from June 29, 2021, to February 12, 2024. He alleges that during his tenure, he was subjected to age-related harassment by Sales Manager Roger Villanueva and faced discrimination due to his medical conditions following a quintuple coronary bypass surgery. Pahal also accuses General Manager Jon Hagen of retaliatory actions after he complained about these issues. "You will never be promoted or moved to another store as long as I’m here," Hagen allegedly told him in October 2023 before asking for his resignation. Furthermore, Pahal's commission rate was unilaterally reduced from the promised 14% to 10%, prompting complaints to Finance Director Jillian Holden.
The plaintiff argues that the defendants failed to provide legally required meal and rest breaks and did not compensate for overtime hours worked. Additionally, Pahal claims that despite working over eight hours daily, he was not paid appropriately for overtime or double-time rates. He also highlights that his requests for personnel files and payroll records were ignored post-termination.
Pahal is seeking various forms of relief from the court: compensatory damages for lost income and emotional distress; punitive damages; penalties under multiple sections of the California Labor Code; restitution for unfair competition; attorney fees; and an order imposing a constructive trust on wages wrongfully withheld by the defendants.
Representing Lakhbir Pahal is Edward Antonino from the Law Office of Edward Antonino. The case is presided over by Judge J. Nguyen under Case No. 22CV464880 in the Superior Court of California.