Lead plaintiff Theresa Ross, a former employee of Tri Counties Bank, alleged that her employer failed to pay appropriate wages and provide appropriate break periods. Ross, on behalf of herself and a putative class of current and former bank employees serving as assistant branch managers, brought a class action against Tri Counties Bank, the principal subsidiary of TriCo Bancshares. She alleged that its actions violated California’s Labor Code and California’s Business and Professions Code § 17200. Counsel for the class contended that Tri Counties improperly classified its assistant branch managers as exempt employees under California laws. Counsel asserted that as a result, the bank failed to pay overtime compensation, provide meal periods, provide rest periods, provide accurate wage statements or provide suitable seating., The class of assistant branch managers sought back pay for unpaid wages and penalties, declaratory relief and accounting, as well as undisclosed damages for alleged unfair business practices.