After 4 Year Battle, VICTORY for Pest Control Workers: LOEAB Overcomes Threats and Scams in Epic Wage Theft Battle

In the relentless fight for workplace justice, some battles test not just legal prowess, but the very resolve to do good against all odds.

At The Law Offices of Eric A. Boyajian, APC (LOEAB), we're no strangers to taking on goliaths who exploit hardworking Californians — and our recent $315,000 class action settlement against California Pest Management, Inc. (Los Angeles Superior Court Case No. 21STCV45445) is a testament to that unyielding passion.

This case wasn't just about unpaid wages; it was a stand against systemic abuse that robbed 28 dedicated pest control technicians of their hard-earned pay and dignity. For years, these essential workers— often the unsung heroes keeping our communities safe from pests — faced egregious Labor Code violations. The employer implemented sneaky rounding practices that shaved off minutes from their hours, effectively stealing time they worked.

Even worse, technicians were instructed to clock out for meal periods but forced to keep grinding through them, turning mandated breaks into illusions. No rest periods were provided at all, compounding the exhaustion. These tactics didn't just shortchange regular pay — they triggered unpaid overtime, inaccurate wage statements, and waiting-time penalties, violating core protections under California's Labor Code.

What made this fight particularly grueling? The employer's despicable litigation tactics. They went so far as to send threatening text messages to our lead plaintiff, warning of harm to him and his family if he didn't drop the lawsuit. Meanwhile, in a brazen scam, the employer quietly offered class members a paltry $100 each in exchange for releasing their claims — hoping to undercut the case before it gained traction. We refused to let that stand.

Our team at LOEAB dug in, filing a successful appeal (writ) to overturn the trial court's initial erroneous ruling that upheld a dubious arbitration agreement. This hard-won reversal kept the case in open court, where transparency and justice could prevail. After years of tenacious advocacy, we secured a non-reversionary settlement: $315,000 gross, netting an average of $11,250 per class member—over 112 times the employer's insulting $100 offer.

This victory isn't just numbers on a page — its lives changed. These technicians, many supporting families in tough economic times, can now move forward with the compensation they earned through sweat and perseverance. That's why LOEAB's mission goes beyond wins: It's about doing good, holding those in charge accountable, and fostering workplaces where fairness isn't optional, its expected.

Cases like this remind us why California's labor laws exist—to protect the vulnerable from exploitation. If you're an employee facing similar violations or an employer wanting to avoid these pitfalls with proactive compliance, don't wait.

At LOEAB, we're not just lawyers; we're champions for what's right. Let's build fairer workplaces together. If you're facing a similar situation, don't let an employer silence you, contact us today for a free, confidential consultation.

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.