SunWest $1.2 Million Settlement for Wage and Hour Claims

If you worked for SunWest Milling, Inc. and SunWest Foods, Inc. in California from July 21, 2019, through September 18, 2024, you may be eligible to claim a payment from a class action settlement.

SunWest has agreed to pay $1,200,000 to settle a class action lawsuit for alleged violations of California wage and hour laws, including unpaid overtime, meal and rest period violations, and more.

Who are the class members?

To be part of this settlement, you must meet the following criteria:

• Worked as a non-exempt employee or temporary worker through an agency for SunWest in California.
• Employment period must be between July 21, 2019, and September 18, 2024.

The class includes all current and former non-exempt employees, ensuring that anyone fitting these criteria is automatically considered a class member.

How much can class members get?

Class members can receive a pro rata share of the Net Settlement Fund, which is approximately $709,100 after deductions for attorneys' fees, litigation costs, and other expenses. The exact amount depends on the number of weeks worked during the class period.

• Individual Class Payment: Calculated based on the number of workweeks you worked for SunWest during the class period.
• Individual PAGA Payment: Calculated based on the number of pay periods worked during the PAGA period, from July 21, 2022, to September 18, 2024.

For example, if the Net Settlement Fund is $709,100 and there are 10,000 total workweeks, a class member who worked 100 weeks would receive $7,091.

Class members do not need to take any action to receive their payments. The Settlement Administrator will automatically send payments to eligible class members after final approval of the settlement.

$1,200,000 Settlement fund

The settlement fund of $1,200,000 will cover:

• $400,000 for Class Counsel Attorneys’ Fees
• $15,000 for litigation costs
• $10,000 incentive award for the Plaintiff
• $15,900 for Settlement Administration costs
• $50,000 for the Labor and Workforce Development Agency

Important dates

• Final Approval Hearing: February 19, 2025

When is the payout date?

The Court will hold a Final Approval Hearing on February 19, 2025. If the settlement is approved, payments will be distributed to class members within 60 days.

Why is there a class action settlement?

The lawsuit alleges that SunWest violated California wage and hour laws by failing to pay overtime, provide meal and rest breaks, and furnish accurate wage statements. SunWest denies these allegations but agreed to settle to avoid the costs and risks of litigation.