Francisco J. Gutierrez, a former employee of two California-based wood flooring companies, has filed a lawsuit alleging a slew of labor violations and wrongful termination. The complaint was lodged in the Superior Court of California, County of Ventura, on May 1, 2025, against Juan Manuel Aguierre, Latina Rustico Wood Floors, Patina Old World Flooring, and other unnamed defendants. Gutierrez claims that his employers engaged in multiple illegal practices under California labor laws.
Gutierrez's complaint details his employment with Latina Rustico Wood Floors and Patina Old World Flooring from May 2009 until his termination in May 2023. He alleges that despite working extensive hours—often exceeding the standard eight-hour workday—he was never compensated for overtime as required by law. Gutierrez asserts that he was promised an ownership stake and additional compensation by Aguierre but these promises were never fulfilled. Furthermore, he claims that after voicing concerns about unpaid commissions on his last day of work, he was promptly terminated—a move he argues constitutes whistleblower retaliation under California Labor Code Section 1102.5.
The lawsuit accuses the defendants of various violations including failure to pay overtime wages (Labor Code Sections 510 and 1198), failure to provide accurate wage statements (Labor Code Sections 226, 1174, and 1198), and unfair business practices (Business and Professions Code Section 17200). Gutierrez is seeking damages exceeding $35,000 along with punitive damages for what he describes as malicious conduct by his employers. His legal representation argues that the defendants’ actions were not only unlawful but also fraudulent as they allegedly manipulated corporate structures to evade liability.
Gutierrez is represented by Jamie Wright of J. Wright Law Group P.C., doing business as The Wright Employment Lawyers. The case is being heard in front of Judge K. Bieker under Case No.: O25 CLIOEO04345g9 at the Ventura Superior Court Hall of Justice.