In a compelling legal battle that highlights issues of labor rights and fair compensation, a former employee has taken legal action against his previous employer, alleging multiple violations of California labor laws. Matthew Perez filed a complaint on October 20, 2025, in the Superior Court of California for the County of Santa Clara against Plastics Family Holdings, Inc., and its general manager Jerrod Mahar. The lawsuit brings to light accusations of unpaid wages, lack of meal and rest breaks, and other labor law infringements.
Matthew Perez claims he was misclassified as an exempt employee while working as a Warehouse Manager at Port Plastics from February 2018 until his discharge on May 29, 2025. Despite his managerial title, Perez asserts that his duties were predominantly physical and did not meet the criteria for exemption under California law. He alleges that he worked approximately 55 to 60 hours per week without receiving due overtime pay or appropriate meal and rest breaks. In December 2023, Perez raised concerns about these issues with Mahar but received no resolution beyond vague promises.
The complaint outlines several causes of action including failure to pay minimum wages and overtime wages as mandated by California Labor Code sections 1194 and 510. It also accuses the defendants of failing to provide meal periods and rest periods in accordance with sections 226.7 and 512. Additionally, Perez claims that during his employment, he was not given accurate itemized wage statements nor reimbursed for business expenses such as using his personal cellphone for work-related communications.
Perez further alleges that after his termination, Port Plastics procured an investigative consumer report on him without proper disclosure or authorization as required by the Investigative Consumer Reporting Agency Act (ICRAA). This alleged violation adds another layer to the legal dispute underlining privacy rights concerns.
Through this lawsuit, Perez seeks various forms of relief including special damages exceeding $150,000, exemplary damages intended to punish the defendants for their conduct, attorney’s fees, civil penalties permitted by statute, interest on any awarded amounts, and coverage for court costs. The case underscores significant questions about worker classification and employer responsibilities under state labor laws.
Representing Matthew Perez are attorneys Young K. Park and Shant Avetyan from Justice For Workers P.C., while Judge J. Nguyen is overseeing the proceedings under Case No.: 29CV478122.
Source: 25CV478122_Matthew_Perez_v_Plastics_Family_Complaint_County_of_Santa_Clara_California..pdf
