California Labor Lawsuits Allowed to Proceed

- The expense reimbursement claim against Dyncorp International alleges the company failed to repay an aircraft maintenance worker for necessary job-related costs such as cell phone usage, mileage, and protective equipment. This falls under California Labor Code Section 2802, which mandates that employers cover all reasonable and necessary expenses incurred by employees in the course of their duties. - Dyncorp International has a history of legal challenges related to its government contracts, including a $21 million settlement for allegedly submitting inflated subcontractor charges under a State Department contract for training Iraqi police. The company has also faced prior lawsuits in California regarding allegations of inaccurate wage statements. - The disability harassment and hostile work environment case involves a human resources vice president at Indique Hair with a hip condition and kidney cancer. She alleges a pattern of harassment and discriminatory conduct related to her disabilities. - California has seen a rise in wage and hour class-action lawsuits, as well as discrimination and harassment claims. Recent legislation has expanded employee protections, including increasing minimum paid sick days from three to five. - A recent California Supreme Court ruling in *Iloff v. LaPaille* established that ignorance of the law is not a valid "good faith" defense for employers who violate minimum wage laws, making it harder to avoid paying liquidated damages. - Effective July 1, 2024, the majority of California employers are required to have a comprehensive workplace violence prevention plan in place, which includes identifying potential hazards and training employees. - In a recent disability discrimination case, *Bronshteyn v. Department of Consumer Affairs*, a California appellate court ordered the state to pay over $8 million in damages and legal fees to a former employee with fibromyalgia for failure to provide reasonable accommodations.