In a significant legal move, a class-action lawsuit has been filed against two major food delivery companies, alleging serious violations of labor laws. The complaint was lodged by Phillip James Brown Jr. on October 28, 2025, in the Superior Court of California, County of Santa Clara, targeting Imperfect Foods, Inc., Misfits Market, and associated entities. The case accuses these companies of failing to comply with multiple provisions of the California Labor Code, impacting numerous employees across the state.
Phillip James Brown Jr., representing himself and other similarly situated employees, claims that Imperfect Foods and Misfits Market systematically violated labor laws over the past four years. According to the complaint, these companies failed to pay minimum wages and overtime as required under Labor Code § 510. They also allegedly neglected to provide proper meal and rest breaks as mandated by Labor Code § 226.7. “Defendants failed to pay Plaintiff and Employee Class Members the overtime wages they were owed,” states the complaint, highlighting a pattern of inadequate wage statements that obscured these practices from employees.
The lawsuit outlines various alleged infractions: non-payment for all hours worked, failure to provide lawful meal and rest periods, inaccurate wage statements, and neglecting to maintain proper payroll records as required by Labor Codes §§ 1174 and 1174.5. It further claims that upon termination or resignation of employment, wages were not paid timely as per Labor Code § 203. Brown argues that these actions not only violate specific labor codes but also constitute unfair business practices under Business & Professions Code § 17200 et seq., seeking restitution for affected employees.
The plaintiffs are demanding comprehensive relief from the court. This includes compensatory damages for unpaid wages and overtime from at least four years prior to filing the action. They seek liquidated damages equal to unpaid minimum wages with interest and compensation for each missed or deficient meal period where no premium pay was provided. Additionally, penalties are sought under various sections of the Labor Code for failure to furnish accurate wage statements and maintain payroll records. Beyond financial restitution, the plaintiffs request injunctive relief to prevent future violations by these companies.
Representing Phillip James Brown Jr. is D.LAW Inc., with attorneys Roman Shkodnik and Mason Doidge leading the case. The matter is assigned Case No. 25CV478839 in front of an unspecified judge at this time.
Source: 25CV478839_Phillip_James_v_Imperfect_Foods_County_of_Santa_Clara_California.pdf
