In a dramatic legal battle, an individual has filed a lawsuit against a California-based automotive group, accusing them of creating a hostile work environment and violating numerous labor laws. The complaint was filed by Luis Angel Gonzalez Rodriguez in the Superior Court of California, County of Ventura, on February 11, 2025, targeting Achievement Automotive Group LLC doing business as Infiniti of Thousand Oaks.
Luis Angel Gonzalez Rodriguez claims that during his employment with Infiniti of Thousand Oaks starting in April 2024, he was subjected to repeated harassment and unsafe working conditions. The complaint outlines several instances where Rodriguez was allegedly assaulted and battered by his manager, Drew Toczynski. One notable incident involved Toczynski making inappropriate gestures and physically slapping Rodriguez without consent. Despite reporting these incidents to another supervisor, Cristian Arreola, no corrective actions were taken. Instead, Rodriguez's complaints were dismissed or ridiculed.
Rodriguez also alleges that he was systematically denied rest breaks and meal periods as mandated by California labor laws. He describes being frequently interrupted during his breaks to assist customers under pressure from management. Additionally, he claims that his wage statements were inaccurate due to a time-punch rounding policy that resulted in underpayment for hours worked.
The plaintiff accuses the defendants of multiple violations including assault, battery, maintaining an unsafe workplace contrary to Cal. Labor Code § 6300 et seq., retaliation under various sections of the California Labor Code including § 1102.5 and § 98.6, failure to provide rest and meal breaks as per §§ 226.7 and 512 respectively, failure to pay minimum wages timely according to § 204, issuing inaccurate wage statements in violation of §§ 226 and 226.3, waiting time penalties under §§ 201 through 203 for not paying final wages promptly upon termination, engaging in unfair business practices under Business & Professions Code §17200 et seq., and wrongful termination in violation of public policy.
Rodriguez seeks compensatory damages exceeding $400,000 for general losses along with punitive damages over $200,000 for the alleged willful misconduct by the defendants. He also demands emotional distress damages surpassing $250,000 alongside attorney fees and other legal costs incurred during this process.
Representing Luis Angel Gonzalez Rodriguez are attorneys Brent P. Marlis, Garen R. Nadir, and William R. Denis from The Work Justice Firm based in Los Angeles. The case is presided over by Judge Hannah Gressy under Case No.: 2025CLVVT0581535.