Wise Auto Group $1M Wage and Hour Class Action Settlement

Danielle Toth

Editor

Published

June 1, 2026 3:45 PM

Updated

June 1, 2026

Who are the class members?

Class members are defined as all current and former nonexempt employees who worked for Anthony A. Batarse Inc., Lloyd A. Wise Motors Inc. or Vallejo Nissan Inc. and whom the companies paid hourly or on commission at any time from Jan. 7, 2017, through July 30, 2025.

To be included, the defendants’ records must identify the individuals as working during these periods.

How much can class members get?

The amount each class member receives depends on the number of workweeks and pay periods they worked during the class period, as well as the total number of participating class members.

The settlement administrator will calculate each class member’s share by dividing the net settlement amount by the total number of workweeks all participating class members worked then multiplying that result by the number of workweeks the class member worked. For the Private Attorneys General Act portion, the administrator will divide the fund based on the number of pay periods each class member worked during the PAGA period.

The settlement administrator provided an estimate of each class member's payment in their individual notice.

No claim form needed to receive a payout

Class members do not need to submit a claim form to receive their payment. If the defendants’ records identify them as a class member, they will automatically receive their payment after the court grants final approval of the settlement.

Class members whose address changed should contact the administrator as soon as possible to ensure they receive payment

Those whose workweeks or pay periods are incorrect may submit a written dispute to the settlement administrator by July 13, 2026. They must include their full name, address, the case name and number (Huy Tran et al. v. Wise Auto Group, et al., case no. FCS055892), a statement that they dispute the dates or amounts and any supporting documents.

Settlement administrator’s mailing address: Tran v. Wise Auto Group, c/o Apex Class Action LLC, P.O. Box 54668, Irvine, CA 92619

Payout options

The settlement administrator will mail checks to the last known address on file. Class members must cash them within 180 days of issuance. if they lose or misplace their check, they should contact the settlement administrator for a replacement.

$1.01 million settlement fund breakdown

The $1,007,367.62 settlement fund covers:

Settlement administration costs: Up to $11,250 (estimated)
Attorneys’ fees: Up to $335,789.21
Attorneys’ costs: To be determined
Service awards to class representatives: Up to $15,000 each ($45,000 total)
PAGA penalties: $50,000 total with 75% ($37,500) to the California Labor and Workforce Development Agency and 25% ($12,500) to aggrieved employees
Payments to approved class members: Remainder of the net settlement fund

Important dates

Deadline to opt out or challenge workweeks/pay periods: July 13, 2026
Deadline to select payment: July 13, 2026
Final approval hearing: Aug. 11, 2026

When is the Tran v. Wise Auto Group payout date?

The settlement administrator will mail payments to eligible class members after the court resolves any appeals and grants final approval of the settlement.

Why is there a class action settlement?

The class action lawsuit alleged the defendants violated California wage-and-hour laws by failing to pay minimum wages and overtime, not providing compliant meal and rest breaks, failing to pay wages on time, failing to provide accurate wage statements, not reimbursing business expenses and engaging in unfair competition.

The defendants deny all allegations but agreed to settle to avoid the expense and uncertainty of continued litigation.