Global healthcare company favorably resolves PAGA claim for work from home expenses arising out of COVID-19 pandemic

Client(s) Global healthcare company

Jones Day recently resolved one of the first claims brought for reimbursement of expenses incurred while working from home during the COVID-19 pandemic for a global healthcare company. The plaintiff sought penalties under the California Labor Code Private Attorneys General Act (“PAGA”) based on alleged violations of California Labor Code section 2802 for failure to reimburse employees for expenses such as home internet, telephone, utilities, and other home office expenses incurred while working for home during the COVID-19 pandemic. The lawsuit also raised claims under PAGA for violations of California’s meal and rest period requirements, overtime laws, and wage statement and other recordkeeping requirements.