Source: s3://data.kl3m.ai/documents/govinfo/USCOURTS/USCOURTS-casd-3_05-cv-01153/USCOURTS-casd-3_05-cv-01153-0/pdf.json

Nature of Suit Code: 791
Nature of Suit: Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA)
Cause of Action: 29:1145 E.R.I.S.A.

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UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT

SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA

BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE SAN

DIEGO ELECTRICAL PENSION

TRUST et al.,

Plaintiffs,

v.

EXCELLENT ELECTRIC, INC., a

California corporation,

Defendant.

 

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CASE NO. 05cv1153 J (LSP)

ORDER:

(1) GRANTING PLAINTIFFS’

MOTION FOR DEFAULT

JUDGMENT AGAINST

DEFENDANT;

(2) AWARDING DAMAGES IN THE

AMOUNT OF $15,839.77 TO

PLAINTIFFS; and

(3) GRANTING PLAINTIFFS

FIFTEEN (15) DAYS LEAVE TO

FILE NECESSARY EVIDENCE TO

SUPPORT CALCULATION OF

INTEREST OWED TO PLAINTIFF

NATIONAL ELECTRIC BENEFIT

FUND

Before the Court is Plaintiffs Board of Trustees of the San Diego Electrical Pension Trust,

et al.’s (“Plaintiffs”) Motion for Default Judgment against Defendant Excellent Electric, Inc.

(“Defendant”). [Doc. No. 18.] Defendant has not filed an opposition to Plaintiffs’ Motion for

Default Judgment. The Court reviewed the papers submitted and determined that the issues

presented are appropriate for decision without oral argument pursuant to Civil Local Rule

7.1(d)(1). [Doc. No. 21]; see S.D. Cal. Civ. R. 7.1(d)(1) (2006). 

Case 3:05-cv-01153-J-LSP Document 24 Filed 11/17/06 Page 1 of 20
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For the reasons discussed below, the Court (1) GRANTS Plaintiffs’ Motion for Default

Judgment; (2) AWARDS Plaintiffs $8,003.23 in unpaid contributions; (3) AWARDS Plaintiffs

$871.57 in interest on the unpaid contributions (4) GRANTS Plaintiffs fifteen (15) days leave to

file the necessary evidence to calculate the interest owed to the National Electrical Benefit Fund;

(5) AWARDS Plaintiffs $1,359.87 in liquidated damages; (6) AWARDS Plaintiffs $5,106.50 in

attorneys’ fees; and (7) AWARDS Plaintiffs $498.60 in court costs. 

Background

Defendant is a corporation with its principal place of business in El Cajon, County of San

Diego, CA. (See Compl. ¶ 3.) Plaintiffs are a group of joint labor-management trust funds and

various entities all administered and located within San Diego County, except for Plaintiff Board

of Trustees of the National Electrical Benefit Fund, which is an entity with its principal place of

business in the State of Maryland. (See Compl. ¶¶ 1-3.) Defendant and Plaintiff the

International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local Union No. 569 are signatories to a

Collective Bargaining Agreement. (See Compl. ¶ 7; Pls.’ Reply to Order Re: Supplemental

Briefing on Pls.’ Mot. for Default J., Ex. C.) Because Defendant employed electricians covered

by the Collective Bargaining Agreement, it was required to report the hours worked by these

employees and pay monthly fringe contributions on their behalf to Plaintiffs. (See Compl. at 4.) 

As a signatory to the Collective Bargaining Agreement, Defendant was also a signatory

and governed by the terms of the Trust Agreements for the San Diego Electrical Pension Trust,

the San Diego Electrical Health & Welfare Trust, the San Diego Electrical Training Trust, the

San Diego Electrical Annuity Plan, and the National Electrical Benefit Fund. (See Mot. for

Default J. at 2, Ex. B, C, D, E, and F.) These Trusts provide for the assessment of interest and

liquidated damages in the event that Defendant is delinquent in its fringe benefit contributions to

Plaintiffs. (See id. at 3.) 

Procedural History

On June 2, 2005, Plaintiffs filed and served a Complaint against Defendant, alleging a

demand for accounting, breach of contract, injunctive relief, and declaratory relief. [Doc. Nos.

1, 2.] On November 3, 2005, Defendant’s attorney filed a motion to be relieved as counsel. 

[Doc. No. 11.] On February 23, 2006, this Court granted the motion and provided Defendant

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leave until March 27, 2006, to find replacement counsel and have said counsel appear on its

behalf. [Doc. No. 17.] Because no replacement counsel appeared on Defendant’s behalf by

March 27, 2006, this Court entered default in Plaintiffs’ favor, nunc pro tunc, on April 1, 2006. 

(See Default Order at 1.) 

On May 5, 2006, Plaintiffs filed the instant Motion for Default Judgment against

Defendant. [Doc. No. 19.] Defendant filed no response. On September 11, 2006, this Court

filed an Order for Supplemental Briefing on Plaintiffs’ Motion for Default Judgment. [Doc. No.

22.] On September 21, 2006, Plaintiffs filed a Reply to the Order for Supplemental Briefing. 

[Doc. No. 23.] 

Legal Standard

A default judgment is appropriate where the defendant “has received actual or

constructive notice of the filing of the action and failed to answer.” Direct Mail Specialists, Inc.

v. Eclat Computerized Techs., Inc., 840 F.2d 685, 690 (9th Cir. 1988). A plaintiff seeking

judgment by default must apply to the Court if the plaintiff’s claim is not “for a sum certain or

for a sum which can by computation be made certain.” Fed. R. Civ. P. 55(b)(1), 55(b)(2). Entry

of default judgment is at the discretion of the Court. See Eitel v. McCool, 782 F.2d 1470, 1471

(9th Cir. 1986).

The Court considers the following factors when deciding a plaintiff’s motion for entry of

default judgment:

(1) the possibility of prejudice to the plaintiff, (2) the merits of plaintiff's

substantive claim, (3) the sufficiency of the complaint, (4) the sum of money

at stake in the action; (5) the possibility of a dispute concerning material facts;

(6) whether the default was due to excusable neglect; and (7) the strong policy

underlying the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure favoring decisions on the

merits.

Eitel, 782 F.2d at 1471-72. When evaluating the Eitel factors and assessing liability, the wellpleaded “ ‘factual allegations of the complaint, except those relating to the amount of damages,

[are] taken as true.’ ” TeleVideo Sys., Inc. v. Heidenthal, 826 F.2d 915, 917-18 (9th Cir. 1987)

(quoting Geddes v. United Fin. Group, 559 F.2d 557, 560 (9th Cir. 1977)). A default judgment

can be entered without a hearing if the “amount claimed is a liquidated sum or capable of

mathematical calculation.” Davis v. Fendler, 650 F.2d 1154, 1161 (9th Cir. 1981). In assessing

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damages, the court must review facts of record, requesting more information if necessary, to fix

the amount to which plaintiff is lawfully entitled. See Pope v. United States, 323 U.S. 1, 12

(1944).

Discussion

I. Rule 55(b)(2) of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure Provides for Entry of 

Default Judgment against Defendant

Rule 55(b)(2) of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure provides several procedural

requirements before this Court can enter default judgment against Defendant. Default judgment

cannot be entered against infants or incompetent persons unless they are represented by a

“general guardian, committee, conservator, or other such representative.” Fed. R. Civ. P.

55(b)(2). Additionally, the defendant must “be served with written notice of the application for

judgment at least 3 days prior to the hearing” if the defendant has appeared in the action. Id.

Here, Plaintiffs have satisfied the requirements of Rule 55(b)(2). Defendant is a

California corporation and thus the protections provided to infants and incompetent persons are

inapplicable. (See Compl. ¶ 5.) On May 5, 2005, Plaintiffs served their Motion for Default

Judgment, which included the hearing date of June 5, 2006, on Defendant. (See Mot. for Default

J.) Therefore, Defendant received notice of Plaintiffs’ Motion for Default Judgment more than

three days prior to the hearing date on such Motion. Accordingly, and for the foregoing reasons,

the Court FINDS that Plaintiffs have met the requirements of Rule 55(b)(2) of the Federal Rules

of Civil Procedure.

II. The Eitel Factors Weigh in Favor of Granting Entry of Default Judgment

The Eitel factors weigh in favor of granting entry of default judgment, and the Court will

address each in turn. See Eitel, 782 F.2d at 1471-72.

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A. Plaintiffs Filed a Well-Pleaded Complaint and are Likely to Succeed on the

Merits

1. Sufficiency of the Complaint

Plaintiffs filed a well-pleaded Complaint as required by the Federal Rules of Civil

Procedure. Plaintiffs set forth the parties pursuant to Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 10(a). 

(See Compl. ¶¶ at 1-5.) See Fed. R. Civ. P. 10(a). They also included a short and plain

statement of the claims entitling them to relief, and requested judgment for the amount found to

be due on the delinquent contributions as well as interest and liquidated damages pursuant to

Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 8(a). (See generally Compl.) See Fed. R. Civ. P. 8(a). Plaintiffs

also properly served Defendant with the Complaint and a summons specifying the deadline for

responding to the Complaint. [Doc. Nos. 1-2.] See Fed. R. Civ. P. 4-5. Accordingly, and for the

foregoing reasons, the Court FINDS that Plaintiffs’ Complaint is sufficient under the Federal

Rules of Civil Procedure.

2. Merits of Plaintiffs’ Substantive Claims

In order for this Court to enter a Default Judgment against Defendant, Plaintiffs’

Complaint must state a claim upon which Plaintiffs may recover. See Danning v. Lavine, 572

F.2d 1386, 1388 (9th Cir. 1978). If the Court finds that Plaintiffs would have likely succeeded

on the merits of their substantive claims had Defendant not defaulted, then default judgment is

appropriate. See Aldabe v. Aldabe, 616 F.2d 1089, 1092 (9th Cir. 1980). 

 A review of the Motion and related papers submitted to the Court indicates that Plaintiffs

seek relief stemming from violation of 29 U.S.C. § 1145, which provides that, “every employer

who is obligated to make contributions to a multiemployer plan under the terms of a collectively

bargained agreement shall to the extent not inconsistent with the law, make such contributions in

accordance with the terms and conditions of such plan or agreement.” 29 U.S.C. § 1145 (1980). 

 In the instant case, Plaintiffs brought this ERISA action pursuant to 29 U.S.C. § 1132(g),

which grants the fiduciaries of an employee-benefits fund a federal cause of action to enforce the

employer’s obligations imposed by 29 U.S.C. § 1145. In order to prevail on a claim for unpaid

contributions under an ERISA plan, a plaintiff must provide that: (1) the trust funds are a

qualified multi-employer plan as defined by 29 U.S.C. § 1002(37); (2) the defendant is an

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employer obligated to contribute under the plan’s terms; and (3) the defendant failed to

contribute in accordance to the plan. See Bd. of Tr. of the Sheet Metal Workers Health Care

Plan of N. CA v. Gervasio Envtl. Sys., 2004 WL 1465719, at *2 (N.D. Cal. May 21, 2004; see

also Nw. Adm’rs, Inc. v. Albertson’s, Inc., 104 F.3d 253, 257 (9th Cir. 1996) (holding that a

plaintiff is entitled to a mandatory award under § 1332(g)(2) if “(1) the employer [is] delinquent

at the time the action is filed; (2) the district court [entered] a judgment against the employer;

and (3) the plan [provided] for such an award.”) 

In their Complaint, Plaintiffs have alleged all the facts necessary to establish their ERISA

claim in order to support an award of default judgment. Plaintiffs represent various joint labormanagement trust funds, which qualify as a multi-employer plan within the meaning of 29

U.S.C. § 1002(37). On September 28, 2004, Plaintiffs entered into a Collective Bargaining

Agreement with Defendant. (See Pls’ Reply to Order Re: Supplemental Briefing on Pls.’ Mot.

for Default J., Ex. C.) Under the Collective Bargaining Agreement, Defendant was required to

submit monthly reports indicating the identities of its electrician employees covered under the

Agreement, and the hours they worked. (See Mot. for Default J., Ex. A at 9.) Defendant was

also required to pay monthly fringe benefit contributions to Plaintiffs for the hours worked by

these employees. (See Mot. for Default J., Ex. A.) Plaintiffs allege that Defendant failed to

submit the reports and make contributions according to the Collective Bargaining Agreement for

the months of January, February, March, and April 2005. (See Mot. for Default J. at 3-4.) 

Accepting all factual allegations as true, the Complaint establishes that Defendant is in clear

violation of the terms of the Collective Bargaining Agreement. Therefore, Plaintiffs have

adequately demonstrated a substantial likelihood of success on the merits of their claim. 

B. Plaintiffs Will Suffer Prejudice Without Entry of Default Judgment

Plaintiffs “would suffer prejudice if . . . default judgment is not entered [if the] [p]laintiffs

would be denied the right to judicial resolution of the claims presented[] and would be without

other recourse for recovery.” Elektra Entm’t Group Inc. v. Crawford, 226 F.R.D. 388, 392 (C.D.

Cal. 2005). Here, the parties entered into a Collective Bargaining Agreement, whereby

Defendant was obligated to make timely contributions to Plaintiffs’ Trust Funds. According to

Plaintiffs, Defendant has breached this obligation under the Collective Bargaining Agreement by

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failing to make the payments. Because Defendant defaulted on their regular payment schedule,

Plaintiffs have suffered damages not only in the delinquent amounts, but also any interest that

would have accrued on the contributed funds. Without an entry of a judgment by default,

Plaintiffs will be left with no alternative recourse against Defendant, and will be unable to

collect the amounts owed to them. Thus, the Court FINDS that denial of the relief requested

will be prejudicial to Plaintiffs, and this factor weighs in favor of granting a default judgment. 

C. The Sum of Money at Stake is not Unreasonable

The third Eitel factor assesses the reasonableness of the potential award if a default

judgment is entered against Defendant. Under this factor, the Court should take into account the

amount of money at stake in relation to the seriousness of Defendant’s conduct. See PepsiCo,

Inc. v. Cal. Sec. Cans, 238 F. Supp. 2d 1172, 1176 (C.D. Cal. 2002). If the sum of money at

issue is reasonably proportionate to the harm caused by Defendant’s actions, then default

judgment is warranted. See Bd. of Trs. of Cal. Metal Trades v. Pitchometer Propeller, 984 F.

Supp. 978, 978 (N.D. Cal. 1997.) This Court may also take into consideration whether “the

amount of money at stake is reasonable, properly documented and contractually justified.” See

Bd. of Trs. of N. Cal. Sheet Metal Workers v. Peters, 2000 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 19065, at *5 (N.D.

Cal. December 29, 2000). 

 In the instant case, Plaintiffs only seek the amount owed under the terms of the

Collective Bargaining Agreement and Trust Agreements. (See Mot. for Entry of Default J. at 3-

5.) The amount requested by Plaintiffs is meant to place Plaintiffs in the position they would

have been in had Defendant not breached the Collective Bargaining Agreement. This amount is

not substantial enough to weigh in favor of denying a default judgment. Moreover, it reflects

only four months of expected contributions to the Trusts, plus the costs of enforcing the

Collective Bargaining Agreement. The amount of money demanded is not a large sum under

these circumstances and an award in that amount is not exceedingly harsh. Thus, the Court

FINDS that the sum of money at stake is not unreasonable.

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D. There is No Dispute Concerning Material Facts

The “ ‘factual allegations of the complaint, except those relating to the amount of

damages, [are] taken as true.’ ” TeleVideo, 826 F.2d at 917-18. The Court has not been

presented with any evidence that suggests there is a serious dispute concerning the material

facts. Defendant filed a conclusory answer asserting several affirmative defenses without

providing any specific facts or allegations which contradict the allegations of the Complaint. 

Additionally, it appears that Defendant is not likely to defend this suit. Other than filing an

Answer, Defendant has completely failed to respond to discovery requests, and has not appeared

or filed any opposition to the Motion for Default Judgment. Therefore, this Court FINDS that

there is very little possibility of dispute concerning material facts.

E. Defendant’s Default Was Not Due to Excusable Neglect

The fifth Eitel factor considers the possibility that Defendant’s default was the result of

excusable neglect. Under this analysis, the Court considers whether Defendant was put on

adequate notice of the pendency of the action brought against it. See Phillip Morris USA, Inc. v.

Castworld Prods. Inc., 219 F.R.D. 494, 499 (C.D. Cal. 2003). 

Here, Defendant was properly served with a Complaint, and Defendant filed an Answer. 

However, Defendant then failed to correspond with its counsel, who filed and was granted a

motion to be relieved as counsel. (See Order Granting Mot. to be Relieved As Counsel.) 

Thereafter, because Defendant failed to appear with replacement counsel, this Court entered

default judgment in Plaintiffs’ favor. (See Default Order at 1.) Defendant was then properly

served with the instant motion for Default Judgment. To date, Defendant has failed to file a

response or make any appearance. Therefore, because Defendant was properly served with the

Notice of Motion for Default Judgment, and at all times, had the ability and reasonable

opportunity to oppose such action, the Court FINDS that Defendant’s default was not due to

excusable neglect.

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F. A Decision on the Merits is Impractical Due to Defendant’s Failure to

Respond

As a general rule, default judgments are disfavored due to the strong public policy

supporting adjudication of cases on their merits. See Pena v. Seguros La Comercial, S.A., 770

F.2d 811, 814 (9th Cir. 1985). However, “[w]hile the public policy favoring disposition of cases

on their merits weighs against default judgment, that single factor is not enough to preclude

imposition of this sanction when . . . other . . . factors weigh in its favor.” Rio Props., Inc. v. Rio

Intern. Interlink, 284 F.3d 1007, 1022 (9th Cir. 2002). Due to Defendant’s failure to appear or

defend this matter, and because the other Eitel factors weigh in Plaintiffs’ favor, the Court

FINDS that a decision on the merits is impractical.

III. Relief Sought

Plaintiffs seek $8,650.19 in delinquent fringe benefit contributions, $903.69 in interest on

the unpaid contributions, $1,485.81 in liquidated damages, $5,106.50 in attorneys’ fees, and

$498.60 in court costs. The total judgment sought is $16,644.79. 

ERISA provides a “statutory remedy for a trust fund fiduciary suing to collect unpaid plan

contributions.” Idaho Plumbers and Pipefitters Health and Welfare Fund v. United Mech.

Contractors, Inc., 875 F.2d 212, 215 (9th Cir. 1989). The following relief is mandatory: 1)

unpaid contributions; 2) interest on the unpaid contributions; 3) an amount equal to either the

interest on the unpaid contributions or liquidated damages; and 4) attorneys’ fees and costs. 29

U.S.C. § 1132(g)(2) (2007); Idaho Plumbers, 875 F.2d at 215. The legislative history of the

statute indicates that “[t]he bill preempts any State or other law which would prevent the award

of reasonable attorneys fees, court costs or liquidated damages or which would limit liquidated

damages to an amount below the 20 percent level.” Id. at 216. Thus, if the statutory conditions

are satisfied, the Court must award unpaid contributions, interest, liquidated damages and

attorneys’ fees. However, “a judgment by default shall not be different in kind from or exceed

in amount that prayed for in the demand for judgment.” Fed. R. Civ. P. 54(c). 

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A. Unpaid Contributions

As a signatory of the Collective Bargaining Agreement, Defendant was required to report

hours worked by its electrician employees and to make monthly fringe benefit contributions for

such employees to Plaintiffs. (See Mot. for Default J., Ex. A at 9.) Plaintiffs allege that

Defendant failed to report the hours worked by two of its employees and pay the fringe benefit

contributions for such employees to Plaintiffs for the months of January, February, March and

April 2005. (See Mot. for Default J. at 4.) According to Plaintiffs, the unpaid contributions for

these months amounted to $8,650.19. (See id.) 

To support this claim, Plaintiffs submitted a spreadsheet to the Court, which indicates the

number of hours worked by the two employees for Defendant during the applicable months and

the contributions owed to the trusts for each month. (See Mot. for Default J., Ex. H.) The

handwritten daily logs of the two employees, the Declaration of Johnny Simpson, the

Declaration of Robin Wheelock, and the Collective Bargaining Agreement, confirm the amounts

of contributions owed according to the spreadsheet with one exception. (See Mot. for Default J.,

Exs. A, G; Decl. of Johnny Simpson in Supp. of Pls.’ Supplemental Br. on Mot. for Default J.;

Decl. of Robin Wheelock in Supp. of Pls.’ Supplemental Br. on Mot. for Default J.) 

The Collective Bargaining Agreement provides that, “[t]he Employer agrees to deduct

$0.05 from each hour of wages of each employee who voluntarily authorizes such contributions

on forms provided. This deduction is sent to the Local Union to be forwarded to IBEW-COPE.” 

(Mot. for Default J., Ex. A at 10.) The amount of the unpaid contributions under this provision

of the Collective Bargaining Agreement is reflected under the “Dues” column of the spreadsheet

submitted by Plaintiffs. (See Mot. for Default J., Ex. H.) Plaintiffs assert that $684.86 total is

due. (See id.) To arrive at this figure, Plaintiffs incorrectly interpreted the language quoted

above to mean that $0.05 is deducted from each dollar of wages earned by the employee. The

language of the contract states that $0.05 is deducted for each hour worked by the employee. In

accordance with this interpretation, the contributions under the “Dues” column are calculated as

follows: 

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 The amounts of the delinquent contributions for each month owed to each Trust Fund can be

found on the spreadsheet provided by Plaintiffs. (See Mot. for Default J., Ex H.)

11 05cv1153 J (LSP)

Name Hours Month Dues

Colbert 8 January $0.40

Berkshire 135 January $6.75

Colbert 154 February $7.70

Berkshire 152 February $7.60

Colbert 149 March $7.45

Berkshire 112 March $5.60

Colbert 48 April $2.40

$37.90

Therefore, while Plaintiffs request $684.86 in unpaid contribution under the “Dues”

column, this Court FINDS that the amount owed is $37.90, based on the above calculations. 

Plaintiffs have requested $8,650.19 in delinquent contributions. However, to reflect the

above correction in the calculation of contributions owed under the “Dues” column, the Court

FINDS that the total amount Defendant owes in delinquent contributions to Plaintiffs is

$8,003.23.

B. Interest

An award of interest is statutorily mandated. See 29 U.S.C. § 1132(g)(2) (2007). “For

purposes of [Section 1132(g)(2)], interest on unpaid contributions shall be determined by using

the rate provided under the plan, or, if none, the rate prescribed under section 6621 of Title 26.” 

29 U.S.C. 1132(g) (2007). Plaintiffs allege a total of $903.69 in interest. (See Decl. of Robin

Wheelock in Supp. of Default J. at 4.) This sum reflects the total interest accumulated on

delinquent contributions owed to the National Labor Management Cooperation Fund, the San

Diego Electrical Pension Trust, the San Diego Electrical Health and Welfare Trust, the San

Diego Electrical Annuity Plan, and the National Electrical Benefit Fund. (See id at 4 n.2.) 

As a signatory of the Collective Bargaining Agreement, Defendant was subject to the

terms and provisions of the above Trusts Agreements. (See Pls.’ Supplemental Br. on Mot. for

Default J. at 5-6.) The Court will now analyze the language of the Collective Bargaining

Agreement and the Trust Agreements to determine what amount of interest on the delinquent

contributions Defendant owes to each Trust Fund.1

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2

 The Collective Bargaining Agreement requires the contributions to be made on or before the

15th day of the month following the month in which the hours were worked. (See Mot. for Default J.,

Ex. A at 9.) Plaintiffs calculated the interest through April 30, 2006. (See Decl. of Robin Wheelock in

Supp. of Default J. at 4.) Therefore, for example, the interest owed on the delinquent payments for the

month of January 2005 would accrue from February 15, 2005 to April 30, 2006 for a total of 14.5

months. 

12 05cv1153 J (LSP)

1. The National Labor Management Cooperation Fund

The amount of interest owed on contributions to the National Labor Management

Cooperation Fund is provided in the Collective Bargaining Agreement. It states that:

[I]f an Employer fails to make the required contributions to the Fund . . . the

Employer shall be liable for a sum equal to 15% of the delinquent payment,

but not less than the sum of twenty dollars ($20.00), for each month payment

of contributions is delinquent to the Fund, such amount being liquidated

damages . . . Such amount shall be added to and become a part of the

contributions due and payable, and the whole amount due shall bear interest

at the rate of ten percent (10%) per annum until paid.

 (See Mot. for Default J., Ex. A at 12.) In accordance with this language, the interest due on the

delinquent contributions to the National Labor Management Cooperative Fund is calculated as

follows:

Month2 Delinquent Contributions (+ liquidated damages) Interest Owed

January $20.56 $2.48

February $30.78 $3.46

March $30.43 $3.17

April $23.36 $2.24

$11.35

Therefore, the total interest owed to the National Labor Management Cooperative Fund is

$11.35. 

2. The San Diego Electrical Pension Trust 

The Trust Agreement governing the San Diego Electrical Pension Trust provides that

“delinquent contributions shall bear interest at the rate of ten percent (10%) per annum from the

due date until they are paid.” (See Mot. for Default J., Ex. B at 17.) In accordance with this

language, the interest due on the delinquent contributions to the San Diego Electrical Pension

Trust is calculated as follows:

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Month Delinquent Contribution Interest Owed

January $48.30 $5.84

February $685.10 $77.07

March $659.35 $68.68

April $208.80 $20.01

$171.60

Therefore, the total interest owed to the San Diego Electrical Pension Trust is $171.60. 

3. The San Diego Electrical Health and Welfare Trust

The Second Amendment to the Trust Agreement Governing the San Diego Electrical

Health and Welfare Trust provides that “delinquent contributions shall bear interest at the rate of

ten percent (10%) per annum from the due date until they are paid in full.” (See Mot. for Default

J., Ex. C at 28.) In accordance with this language, the interest due on the delinquent

contributions to the San Diego Electrical Health and Welfare Trust is calculated as follows:

 Month Delinquent Contribution Interest Owed

January $739.84 $89.40

February $1714.56 $192.89

March $1479.36 $154.10

April $291.84 $27.97

$464.36

Therefore, the total interest owed to the San Diego Electrical Health and Welfare Trust is

$464.36. 

4. The San Diego Electrical Training Trust Fund

The Trust Agreement Governing the San Diego Electrical Training Trust Fund provides

that “delinquent contributions shall bear interest at the rate of ten percent (10%) per annum from

the due date until they are paid.” (See Mot. for Default J., Ex. D at 33.) In accordance with this

language, the interest due on the delinquent contributions to the Labor Management Cooperative

Fund is calculated as follows:

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 The spreadsheet provided by Plaintiffs does not include the contribution owed to the San

Diego Electrical Training Trust Fund for each month. (See Mot. for Default J. Ex H.) However, the

Collective Bargaining Agreement provides that “[e]ach signatory Employer shall make monthly

contributions into the San Diego Electrical Industry Training Trust and Manpower Development Trust

in the amount of sixty-five ($.65) cents per hour for each hour worked by each employee covered by the

terms of this Agreement . . .[o]n receipt of these funds, the Electrical Industry Training Trust

Administrative Offices shall deposit fifty-five ($.55) cents into the San Diego Electrical Industry Trust.” 

(Mot. for Default J., Ex A at 8.) Therefore, Defendant was required to make contributions of $.55 cents

for each hour worked by its employee per month to the San Diego Electrical Training Trust Fund. In

January 2005, Defendant’s two employees worked a total of 143 hours, requiring a contribution of

$78.65 to the Fund. In February 2005, Defendant’s two employees worked a total of 306 hours,

requiring a contribution of $168.30. In March 2005, Defendant’s two employees worked a total of 261

hours, requiring a contribution of $143.55. In April 2005, Defendant’s one employee worked 48 hours,

requiring a contribution of $26.40.

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Month Delinquent Contributions3 Interest Owed

January $78.65 $9.50

February $168.30 $18.93

March $143.55 $14.95

April $26.40 $2.53

$45.91

Therefore, the total interest owed to the San Diego Electrical Training Trust Fund is

$45.91. 

5. The San Diego Electrical Annuity Plan

The San Diego Electrical Annuity Plan Trust Agreement provides that “delinquent

contributions shall bear interest at the rate of twelve percent (12%) per annum from the due date

until they are paid.” (See Mot. for Default J., Ex. E at 40.) In accordance with this language, the

interest due on the delinquent contributions to the San Diego Electrical Annuity Plan is

calculated as follows: 

Month Delinquent Contribution Interest Owed

January $1230 $178.35

February $0 $0

March $0 $0

April $0 $0

$178.35

Therefore, the total interest owed to the San Diego Electric Annuity Plan is $178.35. 

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6. The National Electrical Benefit Fund

The Restated Employees Benefit Agreement and Trust for the National Electrical Benefit

Fund provides that interest on delinquent contributions is “to be calculated at a ten percent

(10%) annual rate compounded monthly through the period of the delinquency.” (See Mot. for

Default J., Ex. F at 46.) The Court is unable to determine based on this language alone, whether

the interest is compounded for each month of delinquent contributions separately, or if a

delinquent contribution and interest from a previous month is added to the delinquent

contribution for the following month and then compounded. Accordingly, and for the foregoing

reasons, the Court FINDS that the interest owed to the National Electrical Benefit Fund cannot

be calculated until Plaintiffs provide further information or a formula as to how they calculated

the compound interest. 

7. Total Interest Owed

Plaintiffs request interest on the delinquent payments in the amount of $903.69. 

However, Plaintiffs failed to provide the Court with sufficient information on how they arrived

at this amount. Based on the foregoing calculations the Court FINDS that the total interest owed

is $871.57. This amount is a sum of the interest owed to the National Labor Management Fund,

the San Diego Electrical Pension Trust, the San Diego Electrical Health and Welfare Trust, the

San Diego Electrical Training Trust Fund, and the San Diego Electrical Annuity Plan. 

As to the interest owed to the National Electrical Benefit Fund, the Court cannot calculate

the interest owed until Plaintiffs provide further information or a formula as to how they

calculated the compound interest. Therefore the Court GRANTS leave to Plaintiffs to provide

the necessary evidence to calculate the interest owed to the National Electrical Benefit Fund. 

C. Liquidated Damages

The liquidated damages provision of Section 1132 “applies when (1) the fiduciary obtains

a judgment in favor of the plan, (2) unpaid contributions exist at the time of suit, and (3) the plan

provides for liquidated damages.” Idaho Plumber, 875 F.2d at 215 (citations omitted). Plaintiffs

allege a total of $1,485.81 in liquidated damages. (See Decl. of Robin Wheelock in Supp. of

Default J. at 4.) This sum is a total of the liquidated damages owed to the National Labor

Management Cooperation Fund, the San Diego Electrical Pension Trust, the San Diego

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month are taken from the spreadsheet provided by Plaintiffs. (See Mot. for Default J., Ex H.) 

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Electrical Health and Welfare Trust, the San Diego Electrical Annuity Plan, and the National

Electrical Benefit Fund. (See id. at 4 n.2.) 

This Court will now analyze the language of the Collective Bargaining Agreement and

the Trust Agreements to determine the amount of liquidated damages Defendant owed to each

Trust Fund for the delinquent contributions. 

1. The National Labor Management Cooperation Fund

The amount of liquidated damages owed on delinquent contributions to the National

Labor Management Cooperation Fund is provided in the Collective Bargaining Agreement. It

states that “if an Employer fails to make the required contributions to the Fund . . . the Employer

shall be liable for a sum equal to 15% of the delinquent payment, but not less than the sum of

twenty dollars ($20.00), for each month payment of contributions is delinquent to the Fund.” 

(See Mot. for Default J., Ex. A at 12.) In accordance with this language, the liquidated damages

due on the delinquent contributions to the National Labor Management Cooperative Fund are

calculated as follows:

Month Delinquent Contributions4 Liquidated Damages Owed

January $.56 $20.00

February $10.78 $20.00

March $10.43 $20.00

April $3.36 $20.00

$80.00

Therefore, the total in liquidated damages owed to the National Labor Management

Cooperative fund is $80.00. 

2. The San Diego Electrical Pension Trust

The Trust Agreement governing the San Diego Electrical Pension Trust provides that “if

any employer shall be delinquent in the payment of contributions, such employer shall be liable .

. . for liquidated damages of ten percent (10%) of the amount of contributions which are owed.” 

(See Mot. for Default J., Ex. B at 17.) In accordance with this language, the liquidated damages

due on the delinquent contributions to the San Diego Electric Pension Trust are calculated as

follows:

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Month Delinquent Contribution Liquidated Damages Owed

January $48.30 $4.83

February $685.10 $68.51

March $659.35 $65.94

April $208.80 $20.88

$160.16

Therefore, the total in liquidated damages owed to the San Diego Electrical Pension Trust

is $160.16. 

3. The San Diego Electrical Health and Welfare Trust

The Second Amendment to the Trust Agreement Governing the San Diego Electrical

Health and Welfare Trust provides that: 

[T]he assessment of liquidated damages shall be converted to the following

schedule: 

11⁄2 % of the principal if late 1-30 days;

3% of the principal if late 31-60 days;

11⁄2 % will accrue for each additional thirty days late, up to a maximum of

18% per annum.

(See Mot. for Default J., Ex. C at 28.) In accordance with this language, the liquidated damages

due on the delinquent contributions to the San Diego Health and Welfare Trust are calculated as

follows:

Month Delinquent Contribution Liquidated Damages Owed

January $739.84 $155.37

February $1714.56 $334.34

March $1479.36 $266.28

April $291.84 $48.15

$804.14

Therefore, the total liquidated damages owed to the San Diego Electrical Health and

Welfare Fund is $804.14. 

4. The San Diego Electrical Training Trust Fund

The Trust Agreement Governing the San Diego Electrical Training Trust Fund provides

that if employers fail to pay their contributions they are liable “for liquidated damages of ten

percent (10%) of the amount of contributions which are owed or fifty dollars ($50.00) whichever

is the greater.” (See Mot. for Default J., Ex. D at 33.) In accordance with this language, the

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liquidated damages due on the delinquent contributions to the San Diego Electric Training Trust

Fund are calculated as follows:

Month Delinquent Contributions Liquidated Damages Owed

January $78.65 $7.87

February $168.30 $16.83

March $143.55 $14.36

April $26.40 $2.64

$41.70

Because the sum total of 10% of the amount of contributions owed is less than $50.00, the

total amount of liquidated damages owed to the San Diego Electrical Training Trust Fund is

$50.00. 

5. The San Diego Electrical Annuity Plan

The San Diego Electrical Annuity Plan Trust Agreement provides that employers are

liable for “liquidated damages of twelve percent (12%) of the amount of contributions which are

owed, or one hundred dollars ($100.00), whichever is the greater.” (See Mot. for Default J., Ex.

E at 40.) In accordance with this language, the liquidated damages due on the delinquent

contributions to the San Diego Electrical Annuity Plan are calculated as follows:

Month Delinquent Contribution Liquidated Damages Owed

January $1230.00 $147.60

February $0 $0

March $0 $0

April $0 $0

$147.60

Therefore, the total in liquidated damages owed to the San Diego Electrical Annuity Plan

is $147.60. 

6. The National Electrical Benefit Fund

The Restated Employees Benefit Agreement and Trust for the National Electrical Benefit

Fund provides that “[i]n the event a Covered Employer . . . fails to make required contributions,

the Trustees are authorized and empowered to assess and receive from such Covered Employer

as liquidated damages an amount up to twenty percent (20%) of the amount found to be

delinquent.” (See Mot. for Default J., Ex. F at 46.) In accordance with this language, the

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liquidated damages due on the delinquent contributions to the National Electrical Benefit Fund

are calculated as follows: 

Month Delinquent Contribution Liquidated Damages Owed

January $85.31 $17.06

February $241.44 $48.29

March $214.14 $42.83

April $48.96 $9.79

$117.97

Therefore, the total liquidated damages owed to the National Electrical Benefit Fund are

$117.97. 

7. Total Liquidated Damages Owed

Plaintiffs requested for liquidated damages in the amount of $1,485.81. However, the

Court is unable to determine how Plaintiffs arrived at that amount. Therefore, in accordance

with the above calculations the Court AWARDS a total of $1,359.87 in liquidated damages to

Plaintiffs. 

D. Attorneys’ Fees

Attorneys’ fees are also mandatory in Section 1132(g)(2) cases. See Operating Eng’rs

Pension Trust v. A-C Co., 859 F.2d 1336, 1342 (9th Cir. 1988); see also Kemmis v. McGoldrick,

706 F.2d 993 (9th Cir. 1983). However, the attorneys’ fees must be reasonable. See Van

Gerwen v. Guarantee Mutual Life Co., 214 F.3d 1041, 1045 (9th Cir. 2000) (citing Hensley v.

Eckhart, 461 U.S. 424, 433 (1983)). In this case, Plaintiffs are seeking $5,106.50 in attorneys’

fees. (See Decl. of Robin Wheelock in Supp. of Default J., at 4-5.) Plaintiffs’ attorney expended

20.60 hours on this matter at an hourly rate of $240.00. (See Mot. for Default J., Ex. I.) The

Court FINDS that the attorneys’ fees requested in this case are reasonable given the number of

hours billed, the amount charged and the complexity of the work, and AWARDS $5,106.50 in

attorney’s fees.

E. Court Costs 

Plaintiffs also seek $498.60 in court costs including: 1) $267.50 for the court filing fee; 2)

$120.25 for the attorney service of filing of the Summons and Complaint with the Court; 3)

$50.00 for the service of the Summons and Complaint on Defendant; 4) $45.00 for the attorney

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service of filing of Proof of Service with the Court; and 5) $15.85 for photocopies and postage. 

The Court FINDS that these court costs are justified, and AWARDS $498.60 in court costs. 

Conclusion

For the reasons set forth above, the Court (1) GRANTS Plaintiffs’ Motion for Default

Judgment; (2) AWARDS judgment in Plaintiffs’ favor in the amount of $15,839.77, which is the

sum total of the following amounts:

1) $8,003.23 for delinquent fringe benefit contributions;

2) $871.57 for interest on the delinquent contributions;

3) $1,359.87 for liquidated damages;

4) $5,106.50 for attorneys’ fees; and

5) $498.60 for court costs;

and (3) GRANTS LEAVE to Plaintiffs to provide the necessary evidence to calculate the

interest owed to the National Electric Benefit Fund no later than fifteen (15) days after the date

this Order is stamped and filed. 

IT IS SO ORDERED.

DATED: November 16, 2006

HON. NAPOLEON A. JONES, JR.

United States District Judge

cc: Magistrate Judge Papas

 Excellent Electric, Inc.

 All Counsel of Record

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