Jose Garcia Cortez has filed a lawsuit against his former employer, alleging serious violations of labor laws. The complaint was filed on October 31, 2025, in the Superior Court of California, County of Santa Clara, targeting Tolentino’s Meat Market, LLC and its owner Miguel Tolentino Trejo. The case highlights issues that resonate with many workers who feel exploited by their employers.
The plaintiff, Jose Garcia Cortez, claims he was employed as a butcher at Tolentino’s Meat Market from March 2020 until October 13, 2025. Throughout this period, Cortez alleges that he was misclassified as an exempt employee despite performing non-exempt duties such as meat preparation and other manual tasks. This misclassification allegedly led to numerous labor law violations including failure to pay minimum wages and overtime wages for hours worked beyond the standard eight-hour day or forty-hour week. “Defendants acted intentionally, oppressively, and maliciously toward Plaintiff,” the complaint states, accusing the defendants of consciously disregarding Cortez’s rights.
Cortez further accuses the defendants of failing to provide accurate wage statements and maintain proper payroll records. According to the complaint, this negligence resulted in Cortez not receiving all wages due upon termination of his employment. Additionally, it is alleged that Tolentino’s Meat Market did not provide legally mandated rest breaks throughout his employment tenure. These allegations are framed within several causes of action including unfair business practices under California Business & Professions Code Section 17200.
In seeking justice from the court, Cortez demands unpaid wages with interest, statutory penalties for each violation of labor laws cited in the complaint, liquidated damages equal to unpaid minimum wages withheld unlawfully, and civil penalties under various sections of the California Labor Code. He also seeks injunctive relief to prevent further unlawful business practices by Tolentino’s Meat Market and restitution for profits gained through these alleged illegal activities.
Representing Jose Garcia Cortez are attorneys Gregory P. Wong and Mariana Fernandez from Lyfe Law LLP based in Los Angeles. The case is being reviewed by Judge Y. Chavez under Case ID: 25CV479121.
Source: 25CV479121_Jose_Garcia_v_Tolentinos_Meat_County_of_Santa_Clara_California.pdf
