Norma Bacani v. HDR Engineering, Inc.

I. Factual and Procedural Background

On March 16, 2023, Plaintiff, on behalf of herself and all others similarly situated, filed a Class Action Complaint (“Complaint”) against Defendant in Riverside Superior Court, alleging causes of action for: (1) Failure to Pay All Minimum Wages; (2) Failure to Pay All Overtime Wages; (3) Meal Period Violations; (4) Rest Period Violations; (5) Failure to Reimburse Necessary Business Expenses; (6) Wage Statement Violations; (7) Waiting Time Penalties; and (8) Unfair Competition. On April 14, 2023, Defendant removed this action, alleging that this Court has jurisdiction pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 1332(d), the Class Action Fairness Act of 2005 (“CAFA”). In her Motion, Plaintiff argues that the amount in controversy does not exceed $5,000,000, and moves to remand this action to Riverside Superior Court. In its Opposition, Defendant argues that it has met its burden of demonstrating that at least $5,000,000 is in controversy.

II. Legal Standard

A. Removal Jurisdiction Federal courts are courts of limited jurisdiction. As a result, “[t]hey possess only that power authorized by Constitution and statute.” Kokkonen v. Guardian Life Ins. Co. of…