Metro by T-Mobile Stores in East San Jose Face Lawsuit Over Wage Violations

California workers have some of the strongest labor law protections in the country. But when those protections are ignored, workers can end up with less pay, poor working conditions and little idea of how to push back. This is especially true in areas with limited resources and language barriers that make it harder to speak out when something is wrong.

A recent lawsuit filed by Santa Clara County shows how some employers fail to meet even the most basic legal standards. The case names at least five Metro by T-Mobile stores in East San Jose and Milpitas. According to the complaint, the stores did not pay minimum wage, failed to pay overtime and paid wages in cash without providing written records. They also denied employees meal and rest breaks. The violations allegedly go back to 2021 and affected more than 60 employees.

These are not small errors or isolated oversights. The lawsuit, filed in Santa Clara County Superior Court, describes a pattern of behavior that violates multiple aspects of the California Labor Code. While Metro by T-Mobile stores are owned and operated by independent third-party retailers, the company has acknowledged the allegations.

Santa Clara County officials said East San Jose is home to many workers and households that speak languages other than English. They believe the stores targeted this area specifically, taking advantage of workers who may not have been in a position to challenge illegal practices.

Metro by T-Mobile workers allegedly weren’t given proper breaks or paid overtime despite working long shifts. By paying in cash and not providing pay stubs or wage statements, the stores also made it difficult for employees to keep track of what they were owed or whether they had been paid correctly.

Overtime rules require that workers receive time-and-a-half pay when working more than eight hours in a day or more than 40 hours in a week. In addition, California employers must provide a 30-minute meal break for any shift longer than five hours, and a 10-minute rest break for every four hours worked.

When this kind of misconduct occurs, it doesn’t just hurt workers. It also gives an unfair advantage to businesses that violate the law. Employers who comply with labor rules often struggle to compete with those that cut corners and reduce costs by underpaying staff.

This lawsuit is part of Santa Clara County’s broader efforts to crack down on wage theft and protect workers from exploitation. In recent years, the County has launched initiatives to improve investigations, support legislation aimed at increasing penalties for violators and create programs to educate workers about their rights. The lawsuit against Metro by T-Mobile seeks back wages for the workers, among other damages and civil penalties.

Wage theft remains persistent across California, particularly in industries such as construction, retail food and sales, janitorial and home care. According to the California State Auditor, the Labor Commissioner’s Office had a backlog of over 47,000 wage theft claims as of mid-2023. In response, local agencies like Santa Clara County are stepping in. The Metro by T-Mobile case is the first filed as part of this expanded local enforcement effort.

If you aren’t receiving proper wages, have been denied breaks or are unsure if your employer is following the law, it may be time to speak with a San Francisco employment attorney. McCormack Law Firm represents workers in various employment law cases, including wage and hour violations, wrongful termination and more. We can help you understand your legal options and take the next steps toward fair treatment at work. Contact us today for a free initial consultation.

Disclaimer: This article is for information purposes only. McCormack Law Firm is not involved in this case.