Maria Martha Alvarado v. Vie De France Yamazaki, Inc.

I. BACKGROUND

These actions involve some similar factual allegations, and echoes two cases this Court recently remanded in which Yamazaki, Inc. is a party. See Natalie Guillen v. Vie De France Yamazaki, Inc., et al., 2:22-cv-02491-AB (PVCx); Pineda et al. v. Vie De France Yamazaki, Inc. at al., 2:22-cv-02492-AB (PVCx). In the instant cases, an employee of Yamazaki, Inc.’s plant in Vernon, California contracted COVID-19 after the plant manager, Raymond Rodriguez (“Rodriguez”), held several large, in-person meetings where social distancing was not possible. Alvarado Mot. at 2-3; Hernandez Mot. at 3-4. Plaintiffs allege that the employee transmitted the virus to their family members.

Both actions were originally filed by the plaintiffs in Los Angeles Superior Court and were removed to this Court by Yamazaki, Inc., on the basis of diversity jurisdiction. See Alvarado Notice, at ¶ 1; Hernandez Notice, at ¶ 1. The Alvarado and Hernandez Plaintiffs filed the instant Motions, arguing that these actions should be remanded because Rodriguez is an in-forum defendant whose presence in these actions destroys complete diversity.

Since filing the Motions, Plaintiffs have filed Second…