The class action lawsuit filed by part-time (adjunct) faculty at Long Beach City College challenges compensation practices that limit pay to classroom hours while requiring substantial work outside the classroom. This case is part of a growing statewide conversation about adjunct labor conditions and compensation structures.

Key Legal Issue

Part-time (adjunct) faculty are required to perform duties beyond classroom instruction—including grading, course preparation, student communication and administrative tasks—but are not always directly compensated for that time.

The central legal question:
Must districts compensate adjunct faculty for all hours worked, including required out-of-class duties, under minimum wage laws?

Court Findings (So Far)

• The court found that community college districts are not exempt from minimum wage laws.
• Required out-of-class work may qualify as compensable time under California wage law.
• A claim for civil penalties (PAGA) was dismissed due to limits on suing public entities, but
• core wage claims remain active.
• The ruling is not final and does not yet mandate immediate changes.

Current Status

• A proposed $18-million settlement has been reached, impacting more than 1,400 adjunct faculty over a 6-year period.
• The settlement has been accepted by the courts, with a preliminary hearing scheduled for July 2026.
• If approved, payments could be distributed as early as Fall 2026.

This lawsuit underscores the importance of organizing, contract clarity and proactive bargaining to ensure part-time faculty are fairly compensated for all work performed.