Wage Law

A California Labor Commissioner decision was upheld, and additional reparations awarded in a civil lawsuit totaling over $246,000 in a case appealing a DLSE award against Csardas, Inc. dba Csardas Restaurant and Bakery, in favor of four former restaurant workers. The workers were awarded $115,423.64 for unpaid minimum and overtime, meal and rest period violations under Labor Code 226.7, interest, and waiting time penalties under Labor Code 203. The restaurant appealed and proceeded to a trial de novo before a Los Angeles County Superior Court jury.

The jury awarded $87,373.01 in unpaid wages, leaving the judge to determine additional damages, interest and attorney fees. After the jury’s verdict, Judge Mary Thornton House awarded $27,827.16 in prejudgment interest, $50,278.68 in liquidated damages and post judgment interest and $80,986.00 in attorney’s fees and costs for a total award of $246,464.85. Csardas, Inc. and its CEO Julius Jancso were both found liable for all awards.