SCHUCK LAW SECURES $6,000,000 IN DAMAGES IN SHORT MEAL PERIOD CLASS ACTION

Schuck Law Wins over $6,000,000 for the Class Members in Maza 

Schuck Law attorneys Karen A. Moore, Stephanie J. Brown, and David A. Schuck, won liability for all claims at summary judgment.  In January 2023, the case proceeded to trial on damages.  Schuck Law secured a verdict winning over $6,000,000 in short meal period wages, off the clock wages, civil penalties, penalty wages, plus interest.  

The Trial was Based Upon the Oregon Court of Appeals Ruling that Employees Win Wages for Lunches that are Less than 30 Minutes

In Maza v. Waterford & Coos Bay Rehab, 300 Or App 471 (2018) rev. den. 366 Or 382 (2020).  (Avamere Companies), the Oregon Court of Appeals just clarified that the employer must both (1) require the employee take a lunch, and (2) police the employees to ensure that the full 30 minute lunch/meal period is completed by the employee.  This is important to the employees, because employers like it when employees return early.  Often this gives the employer free labor.  Now the employer must pay the employee for 30 full minutes when the employee comes back to work early.  The Court did not care why the employee came back.  Whether by accident or by need of the business.  In either event, the wages must be paid the full amount of the meal period.