Gas Turbine Maker, Workers’ $1.8 Million Wage Suit Deal Approved

Solar Turbines Inc. and workers who say it stiffed them on pay won final approval for a $1.8 million deal resolving their wage-and-hour suit in federal court in California.

Machinist Jose Diaz accuses the Caterpillar Inc. subsidiary of violating California labor laws, including on overtime pay, meal and rest period premiums, and wage statements. The workers’ settlement with the gas turbine manufacturer “provides a fair resolution of the claims,” the US District Court for the Southern District of California said.

The class deal covers nearly 2,300 non-exempt employees who worked for Solar Turbines at any time between April 30, 2016, and Feb. 3, 2022, Judge William Q. Hayes’ Monday final approval order said. The settlement also resolves claims under California’s Private Attorneys General Act and applies to aggrieved employees who performed non-exempt work for the company at any time from April 13, 2019, through Feb. 3, 2022.

The net settlement amount—after accounting for attorneys’ fees and other costs—will likely be nearly $1.3 million, Hayes said. Individuals will recover based on the total number of weeks they worked during the class and PAGA periods, with the highest individual payment estimated at just under $1,100 and the average more than $560.

Class counsel Buchsbaum & Haag will receive 25% of the settlement amount—$450,000—in attorneys’ fees. Hayes also approved the firm’s request for almost $14,000 in reimbursement for litigation expenses.

Littler Mendelson PC represents Solar Turbines.

The case is Diaz v. Solar Turbines Inc., 2022 BL 275094, S.D. Cal., No. 3:20-cv-01156, final settlement approval 8/8/22.