Complaint Review: Warner Bros.

Suit Says Warner Bros. Contract Unfairly Limits Worker Options


LAW
by Amanda Bronstad

The dotted line may be blurry. Two computer programmers who worked for Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. have filed suit against the company, claiming that their contracts were extended in a manner that denied them retention bonuses.

Tony ? and Brian ? are the named plaintiffs in the case, but according to the suit, as many as 250 programmers signed the same contract to work on a financial software development project at the Burbank-based entertainment firm. Ivey began work in August 2001; Adjuder started in January 2002. Both contracts had a completion date of June 30, 2003, but they were extended.

We're claiming the contract is basically one that almost creates an indentured servitude situation if you want to obtain your retention bonus, said Richard Stavin, an attorney at Stavin & Associates in Encino, representing the plaintiffs. The contract can be extended indefinitely and does not provide for cost-of-living increases or any increases whatsoever in the wage. And the way the contract is worded, if you leave your job, you forfeit your bonus.

Both programmers quit after their contract was extended, he said.

Scott Rowe, a spokesman for the subsidiary of Time Warner Inc., declined comment on pending litigation. The suit was filed Jan. 29 in Los Angeles Superior Court, and its claims include fraudulent inducement, negligent misrepresentation and unjust enrichment.

Anthony
Glendale, California
U.S.A.