Los Angeles, California — Two servers have initiated a labor lawsuit against the renowned Laugh Factory comedy club, asserting California’s Labor Code violations. Filed in Los Angeles Superior Court, the action brought by Michelle O’Shea and Monroe-Nicole Edokpa under the Private Attorneys General Act claims that management improperly altered employee time records and restricted legally mandated rest periods, including restroom access during lengthy performances.
The lawsuit alleges that staff at the Hollywood Sunset Boulevard location were mandated to take their main meal breaks at the start of shifts. It further claims that subsequent five to six-hour work periods often lacked a second required meal break, and holiday shifts of eight to nine hours allegedly had none.
The legal filing also alleges that management routinely adjusted time entries to reflect fewer hours worked by employees. Additionally, the suit claims that work hours were reduced last July while employees were still mandated to work extra, uncompensated time.
Hosts and other personnel were purportedly prohibited from using restrooms during shows lasting more than six hours. The labor lawsuit further states that employees were not compensated for using their personal mobile devices and data plans for business purposes.
Before filing the suit, O’Shea and Edokpa notified the Laugh Factory and the state Labor and Workforce Development Agency in January of the alleged Labor Code infractions. It remains uncertain whether the state agency intends to investigate these claims. A representative for the Laugh Factory has not yet issued a public response regarding the legal action.
If you believe your workplace rights have been violated, we encourage you to contact us for a free, confidential consultation. Our experienced employment lawyer in Los Angeles can assess your situation and advise you on potential legal options.
