In a striking legal development, a former employee has taken legal action against a major fruit company, alleging serious violations of California's labor laws. On February 13, 2025, Juan Soto filed a complaint in the Superior Court of California for the County of Ventura against Chiquita Fresh North America, L.L.C., citing multiple infractions under the Private Attorneys General Act (PAGA).
The lawsuit brought by Juan Soto highlights a range of alleged misconduct by Chiquita Fresh North America. According to the complaint, Soto accuses his former employer of failing to pay for all hours worked, including minimum and overtime wages. The allegations extend to not providing required meal and rest periods, neglecting to maintain accurate records of hours worked and meal periods, and failing to furnish accurate wage statements. "Wages are not ordinary debts," the complaint states, emphasizing the essential nature of timely payment for workers' economic stability. Soto's legal team argues that these violations were willful and deliberate, underscoring their seriousness by noting that some breaches have been criminalized under California law.
Soto is seeking civil penalties on behalf of himself and other aggrieved employees under PAGA. He does not aim for general or special damages but rather focuses on penalties as permitted by California Labor Code Section 2699. Additionally, he seeks declaratory relief and injunctive relief for himself and certain aggrieved employees. The complaint outlines that Chiquita Fresh North America operated within California's jurisdiction and was therefore subject to its labor laws. It alleges that despite being aware of their legal obligations, the defendants failed to rectify their unlawful conduct.
The plaintiff’s claims are supported by detailed accounts of labor code violations experienced during his employment from May 2021 to October 2024 in Ventura County. These include instances where employees were required to work off-the-clock without compensation and were denied legally mandated breaks. Furthermore, it is claimed that Chiquita Fresh North America did not pay all earned wages twice per month as required by law.
Soto's legal team comprises attorneys John G. Yslas, Eugene Zinovyev, John Brown, and Gabriella Solé from Wilshire Law Firm in Los Angeles. They argue that the company's practices deprived employees of knowing or questioning their wage accuracy due to inadequate record-keeping practices.
The case seeks an array of remedies including civil penalties on behalf of the state and similarly aggrieved employees as well as attorney fees and costs incurred during litigation. The lawsuit also calls for injunctive relief compelling Chiquita Fresh North America to comply with California labor laws moving forward.
This case is presided over by judges at the Superior Court in Ventura County with Case ID: 2BOSPSCUOEOSS8261.