In a compelling legal battle that highlights issues of workplace ethics and employee rights, a former maintenance supervisor has taken his grievances to court. Erik Lowe filed a lawsuit against FPI Management, Inc., alleging wrongful termination and several labor law violations. The complaint was electronically filed on May 1, 2025, in the Superior Court of California, County of Ventura, targeting FPI Management, Inc., and other unnamed defendants.
The case revolves around Erik Lowe's employment with FPI Management from February 24, 2021, until his termination on January 31, 2025. Lowe served as a Maintenance Supervisor and claims he maintained exemplary performance throughout his tenure. However, he alleges that Portfolio Manager John Contreras engaged in discriminatory and retaliatory conduct that created an intolerable work environment. According to the complaint, Contreras made derogatory comments about colleagues and residents and pressured Lowe into illegal activities related to HVAC retrofitting. Lowe's refusal to comply with these unlawful practices led to increased scrutiny and ultimately his termination. "The termination was based on manufactured allegations that cannot withstand legal scrutiny," states the complaint.
Lowe's lawsuit outlines multiple causes of action against FPI Management: wrongful termination in violation of public policy, whistleblower retaliation under California Labor Code §1102.5, failure to provide meal and rest periods as required by law, failure to pay overtime compensation, failure to provide accurate wage statements, waiting time penalties for delayed wage payments post-termination, and unfair competition under California Business & Professions Code §17200 et seq. Each cause of action is supported by detailed allegations regarding how FPI Management violated specific provisions of California labor laws.
The plaintiff seeks various forms of relief from the court: general damages for emotional distress; special damages for lost wages and benefits; unpaid wages including overtime; premium payments for missed breaks; statutory penalties for non-compliant wage statements; restitution for unfair competition practices; punitive damages to deter future misconduct; prejudgment interest; attorney’s fees; costs incurred during litigation; and any further relief deemed appropriate by the court.
Representing Erik Lowe are attorneys Justin R. Wilmers and Caleb A. Miller from Miller Wilmers APC. The case is presided over by Judge K. Biaker under Case No.: 2025CLWOEO433.