If you worked as a nonexempt employee for Guitar Center Stores Inc. in California between January 11, 2020, and July 11, 2025, you may be eligible for a cash payment from a $2.4 million class action settlement.
The amount you receive depends on how long you worked during the covered periods. Most eligible employees do not need to file a claim to receive payment.
Why Did This Lawsuit Happen?
The lawsuit alleged that Guitar Center Stores Inc. violated California wage and hour laws by:
- Failing to pay overtime and minimum wages
- Failing to provide required meal and rest breaks
- Failing to reimburse business expenses
- Issuing inaccurate wage statements
The settlement also resolves claims for civil penalties under the California Private Attorneys General Act (PAGA).
Who Qualifies for the Settlement?
You may be included if you:
- Worked as a nonexempt employee for Guitar Center Stores Inc. in California between January 11, 2020, and July 11, 2025.
Some employees may also qualify as Aggrieved Employees under PAGA if they worked during the period:
- January 11, 2022, through July 11, 2025
The settlement administrator will use Guitar Center’s employment records to calculate your eligible workweeks and pay periods.
How Much Can You Receive?
Individual payments vary based on your employment history.
Settlement benefits include:
- Individual Class Payment based on the number of weeks you worked during the Class Period.
- Individual PAGA Payment (if eligible) based on the number of pay periods worked during the PAGA Period.
The $2,418,495 settlement fund will be used to pay eligible employees after court-approved deductions for attorneys’ fees, costs, administration expenses, service awards, and PAGA penalties.
Your Options
| Option | What Happens | Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| Do Nothing | Automatically remain in the settlement and receive an Individual Class Payment and/or PAGA Payment if eligible. You give up the released claims covered by the settlement. | No action required |
| Opt Out of the Class Settlement | Keep your right to pursue your own wage claims, but you will not receive an Individual Class Payment. If eligible, you may still receive a PAGA Payment because you cannot opt out of the PAGA portion. | September 1, 2026 |
| Object | Stay in the settlement and tell the Court why you disagree with it. | September 1, 2026 |
| Challenge Your Workweeks or Pay Periods | Request a correction if you believe your workweeks or pay periods were calculated incorrectly. Supporting documentation should be included. | September 1, 2026 |
| Attend the Final Approval Hearing | Attend or speak at the hearing regarding final approval of the settlement. | October 2, 2026 |
How to File a Claim?
No claim form is required. If you’re an eligible class member, the settlement administrator will automatically mail your payment to the address on file.
To help avoid delays:
- Make sure the settlement administrator has your current mailing address.
- If you moved recently, update your contact information as soon as possible.
- Review the workweek and pay period information in your settlement notice. If you believe it’s incorrect, submit a written challenge with supporting documents by September 1, 2026.
Payments will be mailed after the settlement receives final approval and any appeals are resolved.
