Elizabeth Shepherd v. Desert Regional Medical Center, Inc.

I. Background

This case involves wage and hour claims under California law.1 See Romero Mot. 4:16–18. The nurses worked in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at DRMC. See Romero Opp. 8:9–11. They were employed pursuant to a collective bargaining agreement. See id. In July 2016, the nurses filed separate wage claims with the California Labor Commissioner seeking meal and rest period premiums, as well as waiting time penalties. See Romero Mot. 4:16–18. In February and March of 2019, they attended individual administrative hearings and received awards of lost wages. See id. 4:20–23. DRMC then filed a de novo appeal of the administrative award in August 2019 in Riverside Superior Court. See id. 4:23–27. After DRMC filed this action in state court, it then removed the action to this Court, asserting federal question jurisdiction under the Labor Management Relations Act (“LMRA”). See generally No. EDCV 19-1588, Dkt. #1 (“Romero NOR”). The nurses now move to remand. See generally Romero Mot.

II. Legal Standard

“Federal courts are courts of limited jurisdiction, possessing only that power authorized by Constitution and statute.” Gunn v. Minton, 568 U.S. 251, 256 (2013)…