Court Approves Attorney's Fees for Employees Who Successfully Appealed Labor Commissioner's Denial of Unpaid Wages Claim

In Villalva v. Bombardier Mass Transit Corp., employees sought recovery of unpaid on-call wages after their initial claim was denied by the Labor Commissioner. Upon appealing to the superior court, they were awarded their due wages and attorney's fees. The California Court of Appeal upheld this award, ruling that Labor Code section 98.2 allows prevailing parties in appeals after a Berman hearing to receive attorney's fees, confirming that successful appellants can gain recourse for legal costs, enhancing protections for employees against wage violations.

In Villalva v. Bombardier Mass Transit Corp., the appellate court ruled that successful appellants in wage disputes can recover attorney's fees, clarifying Labor Code section 98.2.

The decision underscores the legal rights of employees in California to seek redress for unpaid wages through both administrative and judicial processes, enhancing protections against wage theft.

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