Anaheim, California — The Anaheim Marriott employee settlement provided nearly $3 million in payments to former hotel workers laid off during the COVID-19 pandemic. The payments followed a state investigation into whether the hotel complied with California’s worker recall requirements.
Former Anaheim Marriott Workers Receive Payments
Twenty-nine former Anaheim Marriott employees gathered Tuesday to receive payments from a $2.75 million settlement related to pandemic-era layoffs. California labor officials said the hotel failed to properly offer available positions to eligible workers when operations resumed. One former engineering employee,
Roberto Medina said he had worked at the property for about 10 years but was not contacted when rehiring began. The Labor Commissioner’s Office had cited the hotel for approximately $12.5 million in 2024 following an investigation.
The dispute was later resolved for less than $3 million. Reported payments ranged from $50,000 to $130,000, depending on each employee’s length of service.
California Recall Rights for Laid-Off Workers
The settlement highlights California Labor Code Section 2810.8, which provides recall protections for hospitality and building-service workers laid off because of the pandemic. Covered employers must generally offer qualifying positions to eligible former employees before hiring others, using seniority when more than one worker qualifies.
Workers should consider preserving:
- Layoff and termination notices
- Emails, texts, and job-offer records
- Prior job titles, schedules, and seniority information
- Evidence that similar positions were filled
- Records of lost wages or benefits
Eligible workers may file a complaint with the Division of Labor Standards Enforcement. Available remedies may include reinstatement, lost wages, benefits, and other relief, depending on the evidence and applicable law.
Discuss Your Employment Rights With Our Team
Labor Law Advocates can review recall notices, employment records, communications, and hiring activity to assess whether California worker protections may apply. An employment lawyer can explain potential claims, filing procedures, and available remedies based on the circumstances.
Contact us today for a free, confidential consultation to discuss your rights and the next steps available under California employment law.
