Exxon and PBF Energy Reach $4.4M California Wage and Hour Settlement

Oil giants ExxonMobil and PGF Energy were hit with a proposed class action lawsuit by workers who alleged the companies violated California wage and hour laws by failing to provide the required breaks.

Now, the parties have reached a settlement agreement, and workers asked a California federal judge to give the thumbs up to the $4.4 million deal.

The plaintiffs, Michelle and Jim K., lodged a motion for preliminary approval of the proposed settlement agreement.

“Overall, the settlement is an excellent result for the settlement class in light of all the relevant circumstances,” the workers said. “Accordingly, plaintiffs respectfully request that the court grant preliminary approval of the settlement and enter the proposed order filed concurrently herewith.”

The lawsuit was filed over workers at a refinery that used to be operated by Exxon but was later taken over by PBF Energy in July 2016.

Michelle and Jim filed their lawsuit in California state court back in September 2018, alleging that the companies failed to allow workers the off-duty breaks required by law for their 12-hour shifts. On top of this issue, the lawsuit claims, the companies also didn’t keep accurate payroll records.

The workers filed their class action lawsuit under California’s Labor Code as well as the state’s Private Attorneys General Act.

The total compensation included in the settlement makes up about 56 percent of the damages incurred, according to the assessments provided by the workers.

While the settlement agreement brings an end to this class action litigation and offers compensation to class members, the companies continue to deny the allegations included in the lawsuit, and the companies do not admit any wrongdoing or liability through the settlement.

Of the settlement award, ExxonMobile is set to pay nearly $1.5 million, while PBF Energy and its refinery Torrance Refining will pay the approximate $2.9 million remaining.

The settlement includes approximately 275 class members who worked at Torrance Refinery. The two class members who acted as representatives are set to receive $7,500 incentive awards.

California Meal and Rest Breaks

Under California labor law, workers are entitled to various meal and rest breaks depending on the length of their shifts. Workers who work 12-hour shifts are entitled to two meal breaks and three rest breaks. Rest breaks, under California law, must be paid. While workers are allowed to skip their rest breaks, companies are not allowed to either encourage or force workers to do so.

Filing a California Wage and Hour Lawsuit

A growing number of California workers are coming forward with allegations that their labor rights were violated. California wage and hours lawsuits often reach settlement agreements before they go to trial. Wage and hour settlements can, like this one, often amount to millions of dollars in compensation.

If you work in California and believe that your labor rights were violated—for instance, if you were denied your required overtime or break periods, or if you were misclassified as an independent contractor instead of an employee—you may be able to file a wage and hour lawsuit and pursue compensation. Filing a lawsuit can help you recover the compensation you’re owed, as well as hold the company responsible accountable for its actions.

Pursuing litigation can be a daunting prospect, so Top Class Actions has laid the groundwork or you by connecting you with an experienced attorney. Consulting an attorney can help you determine if you have a claim, navigate the complexities of litigation, and maximize your potential compensation.

The California Wage and Hour Lawsuit is Case No. 2:18-cv-09224, in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California.

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