Wage Theft Claim Filed Against SD Dem Party

The San Diego County Democratic Party allowed one of its employees to work hundreds of unpaid overtime hours and denied her meal and rest breaks in violation of labor laws, according to a January claim filed against the local political party.

The claim was filed by Hannah Stern, who worked for the party between March 2013 and March 2014 as an independent contractor and an office manager and volunteer coordinator, according to the documents that allege wage theft.

The claim states Stern was given the title of manager, but not given any authority as a supervisor.

β€œDespite this, Defendant treated her as exempt from the wage and hour laws, including not paying any amount for the overtime hours worked – nothing – and not providing proper meal and rest breaks,” the claim states. β€œIndeed her direct supervisor and manager, Ryan Hurd informed Hannah that if she wanted to take a meal break, she would have to make up the time at the end of the day.”

Hurd did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

An NBC 7 investigation found hundreds of San Diego companies not paying full wages to employees, even when judges and state labor officials demand they do so.

Since 2010, more than 280 San Diego companies have failed to pay at least $800,000 in wages, overtime and meal breaks, according to state records reviewed by NBC7.

NBC7 recently obtained the claim, which was filed back in January.

Chair of the San Diego County Democratic Party Francine Busby sent this email statement in response to questions about the wage theft claim:

β€œThe San Diego County Democratic Party is not being sued. We do not comment on personnel issues,” Busby wrote.

Busby did not respond to a follow-up question about whether the claim was settled or dropped.

Neither Stern, nor her attorney immediately provided any response.

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