Case News and Updates
Court Grants Final Approval of $4,000,000 Class Action Settlement on Behalf of Nursing Supervisors for Unpaid Wages
March 2024
On March 14, 2024, the Alameda Superior Court granted final approval to a class action settlement on behalf of Nursing Supervisors working in California for Sutter Bay Hospitals. The class action settlement compensates class members for unpaid overtime wages.
Court Grants Preliminary Approval of $25 Million Settlement in Oracle Equal Pay Act Class Action
April 2024
On April 22, 2024, the San Mateo Superior Court granted preliminary approval of a class action settlement on behalf of about 4,000 women who work or worked for Oracle in California since June 2014 in its Product Development, Support, and Information Technology job functions. The class action settlement compensates class members who alleged that they were paid less than men performing substantially similar work in violation of California’s Equal pay Act. The settlement provides $25 million in monetary relief for the class and programmatic relief that includes Oracle hiring an independent expert to conduct job analyses of the relevant jobs, examine Oracle’s compensation policies and practices, and make recommendations to ensure pay equity. The final approval hearing is on October 7, 2024.
Rudy Exelrod Zieff & Lowe Announces $25 Million Settlement in Oracle Equal Pay Act Class Action
February 2024
Rudy Exelrod Zieff & Lowe, along with co-counsel, Altshuler Berzon, are happy to report that on February 13, 2024 we filed papers seeking preliminary approval of a class action settlement of the Jewett v Oracle case, which involves a class of about 4,000 women who work or worked for Oracle in California since June 2014 in its Product Development, Support, and Information Technology job functions who alleged that they were paid less than men performing substantially similar work in violation of California’s Equal pay Act. The settlement provides $25 million in monetary relief for the class and programmatic relief that includes Oracle hiring an independent expert to conduct job analyses of the relevant jobs, examine Oracle’s compensation policies and practices, and make recommendations to ensure pay equity.
Court Grants Preliminary Approval of $4,000,000 Class Action Settlement on Behalf of Nursing Supervisors for Unpaid Wages
September 2023
On September 7, 2023, the Alameda Superior Court granted preliminary approval to a class action settlement on behalf of Nursing Supervisors working in California for Sutter Bay Hospitals. The class action settlement compensates class members for unpaid overtime wages. The final approval hearing is scheduled on March 14, 2024. A copy of the full class action settlement agreement can be found here.
Tesla Plaintiffs Featured in Rolling Stone Article
September 2022
Rolling Stone featured our clients in an ongoing suit against electric vehicle manufacturer Tesla outlining their claims about toxic culture within Tesla’s factory. David Lowe, who serves as one of plaintiff Jessica Barazza’s attorneys, lauded the bravery required to be the first to speak up about the harassment women experience at Tesla saying, “It took courage for her to do that. We might not have heard from the other women. Jessica let them know they were not alone.”
Rudy Exelrod Zieff & Lowe attorneys David Lowe, Michelle Lee, and Zoe DeGeer represent the plaintiffs alongside William Jhaveri-Weeks, Ally Girouard, and Sarah Abraham of the Jhaveri-Weeks Firm
Rudy Exelrod Zieff & Lowe Secures Key Appellate Victories on behalf of the California Civil Rights Department August 2022
Rudy Exelrod Zieff & Lowe served as appellate counsel to the California Civil Rights Department (formerly known as DFEH) in two appellate proceedings in its lawsuit against Cisco Systems for caste-based discrimination and obtained key victories from the California Court of Appeal. In one decision, the Court of Appeal confirmed that the Department has the right to bring enforcement actions in court even if the affected employee is bound by an arbitration agreement. In a second decision, the Court of Appeal issued a writ of mandate to the trial court to vacate its order denying the Department’s request to allow the affected employee to continue proceeding under a pseudonym on account of fears for his safety and potential retaliation.
Rudy Exelrod Zieff & Lowe’s appellate team was led by Chaya M. Mandelbaum and Michelle G. Lee.
Rudy Exelrod Zieff & Lowe and Co-counsel, Altshuler Berzon File an Appeal in Class Action Against Oracle
August 2022
A Notice of Appeal was filed in response to a previous court order decertifying the class action suit against the tech giant, Oracle, for alleged gender pay discrimination. On August 10th, the trial court stayed the action pending that appeal. Until the appeal and class action certification are resolved, the jury trial will be on hold.
Rudy Exelrod Zieff & Lowe attorneys John Mullan, Erin Pulaski, William McElhinny and Zoe DeGeer will continue to represent the women in the appeal. The appellate case is Jewett et al. v. Oracle America Inc., case number A165726, in the California Court of Appeal, First Appellate District.
Judge rejects Tesla’s attempt to keep sexual harassment claims out of court.
May 2022
A California state court judge on May 23 blocked Tesla’s motion to keep a jury from hearing factory worker Jessica Barraza’s sexual harassment claims. Alameda County Superior Court Judge Stephen Kaus ruled that Tesla had “ambushed” Ms. Barraza with an arbitration agreement that was unconscionable and unlawful.
Tesla production associate Jessica Barraza filed her lawsuit in Alameda County Superior Court on November 18, 2021 alleging that Tesla subjects women to pervasive sexual harassment at Tesla’s Fremont, CA factory. Six more women filed their own sexual harassment suits on December 13, 2021 alleging a similar pattern of conduct. Collectively the lawsuits describe a workplace saturated with offensive comments and physical harassment, including from supervisors.
Ms. Barraza commented, “I’m so grateful that this decision brings us one step closer to justice.”
David A. Lowe, Partner at Rudy Exelrod Zieff & Lowe, argued against Tesla’s motion at the hearing, added: “This is a victory for public accountability. Because of this ruling, Tesla will not be able to hide behind the closed doors of confidential arbitration. Instead, Tesla will be judged by a jury of Ms. Barraza’s peers in a public courtroom.”
“We are pleased that the judge rejected Tesla’s attempt to keep a jury from hearing our client’s claims,” stated William Jhaveri-Weeks of the Jhaveri-Weeks Firm, P.C., which also represents Ms. Barraza. “We look forward to proving Ms. Barraza’s claims in court.”
REZL Represents Rivian Exec in Gender Discrimination and Retaliation Lawsuit
November 2021
Rivian’s former head of sales and marketing, Laura Schwab, was fired two day after she raised concerns about a “bro culture” at Rivian. Prior to being recruited by Rivian, Ms. Schwab had 20 years of experience in the automotive industry, during which she rose from an entry level position to senior executive roles at Jaguar Land Rover and landed a position as the first female president in Aston-Martin’s 108 year history. Despite this experience and her deep knowledge of vehicle launches and pricing, she was marginalized by male peers at Rivian and excluded from important strategy meetings. She shared her experience of gender discrimination with HR and was promptly terminated. We are proud to support Ms. Schwab in holding Rivian accountable so that other women are not deterred from speaking out about the culture in their workplaces.
Schwab v. Rivian Press Release
Schwab v. Rivian Statement of Claims
Schwab v. Rivian Complaint for Damages
In Another Major Victory for Thousands of Oracle Women, Court Denys Oracle’s Motion for Summary Judgment
April 2021
Rudy Exelrod Zieff & Lowe and its co-counsel Altshuler Berzon brought this class action against Oracle on behalf of approximately 4,000 women employees operating in its Product Development, Information Technology, and Support job functions since 2013. The suit alleges that the company violated California’s Equal Pay Act and unfair business practice laws by paying its women employees thousands of dollars less per year than it paid men in the same roles.
On April 26, 2021, the Superior Court, County of San Mateo, denied in its entirety Oracle’s Motion for Summary Judgement.
In denying Oracle’s motion for summary judgment, the Court ruled that the plaintiffs have presented sufficient evidence from which a reasonable jury could find that 1) they and male employees performed substantially similar work; and 2) they were paid less than those men for their work.
Rudy Exelrod Zieff & Lowe’s team was led by Partner John Mullan, Partner Erin Pulaski, and Associate William McElhinny.
The case is Jewett v. Oracle America Inc., 17-CIV-02669, California Superior Court, County of San Mateo (Redwood City).
Court Grants Final Approval of $750,000 Class Action Settlement on Behalf of Studio Team Members for Unreimbursed Expense
February 2021
On February 12, 2021, the Central District of California granted final approval of a class action settlement on behalf of Studio Team Members working in California for WW, a nationwide lifestyle brand. The class action settlement reimburses class members for their pro rata smartphone and data plan costs.
REZL Negotiates Historic $22.5 Million Settlement for Former Pinterest COO
December 2020
Pinterest’s Former Chief Operating Officer, Francoise Brougher, filed a lawsuit in August 2020 alleging gender discrimination in Pinterest’s C-Suite and wrongful termination. Ms. Brougher has now settled her claims for $22.5 million, including a $2.5 million joint investment in non-profit organizations which advance women and underrepresented minorities in tech. We are pleased to have helped Ms. Brougher achieve her goals of holding Pinterest accountable and driving change to create better opportunities in tech for women and underrepresented communities. Ms. Brougher’s settlement appears to be the largest publicly announced individual settlement in a gender discrimination and retaliation case in US history.
The Washington Post – Nitasha Tiku – December 14, 2020
Court Grants Preliminary Approval of $750,000 Class Action Settlement on Behalf of Studio Team Members for Unreimbursed Expenses
December 2020
On September 25, 2020, the Central District of California granted preliminary approval to a class action settlement on behalf of Studio Team Members working in California for WW, a nationwide lifestyle brand. The class action settlement reimburses class members for their pro rata smartphone and data plan costs. The final approval hearing is scheduled on February 1, 2021.
REZL and Legal Aid at Work file class action lawsuit against Uber for illegally pressuring its drivers to support Uber’s Proposition 22 campaign
October 2020
Proposition 22 is a highly contentious ballot initiative that Uber and other gig economy companies have spent more than $188 million to promote. The ballot measure seeks to strip ride-share drivers and other gig economy workers of some of the most fundamental workplace protections provided to employees under California law, such as the right to minimum wage and overtime.
The plaintiff drivers, joined by two non-profit organizations, Worksafe and Chinese Progressive Association, allege that since September of this year, Uber has embarked upon a campaign of deceit, coercion, and manipulation by spreading false information about Prop 22 in dozens of postings on the drivers’ ride-sharing app that the drivers cannot avoid seeing whenever they open the app, and by threatening the drivers with loss of their jobs and other adverse consequences if Prop 22 does not pass. The lawsuit claims that Uber’s actions cause its drivers to fear that if they do not cooperate by speaking out in favor of Prop 22 through the video messages, texts, and positive survey answers solicited by Uber, Uber will retaliate by giving them less favorable or less plentiful assignments, or no assignments at all.
In addition to this lawsuit, separate legal claims against Uber, Lyft, Instacart, and Doordash, which are the principal backers of Prop 22, are also being filed today with the California Labor Commissioner under the California Labor Code Private Attorney General Act, known as PAGA.
Complaint
Press Release
REZL Represents Pinterest COO in Gender Discrimination and Retaliation Lawsuit
August 2020
Pinterest’s Former Chief Operating Officer, Francoise Brougher, alleges that the company subjected her to gender discrimination, wrongful termination, and retaliation. While 70% of Pinterest users are women, the company is run by three men, and gender bias is prevalent in the C-Suite. Even as the highest-ranking woman in the company, Pinterest’s male executives expected her to be compliant and conform to gender stereotypes. Because her advice to the CEO and CFO was candid, she was marginalized and excluded from important meetings and decisions. And when she objected to the CFO treating her in a demeaning and sexist way, she was fired. Ms. Brougher’s termination demonstrates that challenging the glass ceiling comes with a heavy price, even for the most senior female executives.
Complaint
Francoise Brougher’s Statement
Press Release
The California Supreme Court Denies Oracle’s Petition to Overturn the Trial Court’s Certification of a Class in Equal Pay Act Case
August 2020
On August 19, 2020, the California Supreme Court denied Oracle’s petition for review of the trial court’s order certifying a class of women employees of Oracle who contend that Oracle paid them less than men for doing substantially similar work in violation of California’s Equal Pay Act.
Rudy Exelrod Zieff & Lowe and its co-counsel Altshuler Berzon brought this class action against Oracle on behalf of thousands of women employees working in its Product Development, Information Technology, and Support job functions since 2013.
The Supreme Court’s ruling means that thousands of women can now litigate their claims in one trial using common evidence, rather than being forced to bring their claims separately in thousands of individual cases.
Rudy Exelrod Zieff & Lowe’s team was led by Partner John Mullan, Partner Erin Pulaski, and Associate William McElhinny.
The Court’s order granting class certification can be read here.
You can read more about the case here.
The case is Jewett v. Oracle America, Inc., 17-CIV-02669, California Superior Court, County of San Mateo (Redwood City).
REZL Represents Whistleblower in Zoom Arbitration Hearing
August 2020
Attorneys David Lowe and William McElhinny completed one of the first employment law arbitrations since the start of the COVID pandemic. The entire case presentation, including witness examinations, was done via Zoom. We represent the Chief Compliance Officer of an investment firm in this whistleblower retaliation case.
REZL Represents Multiple C-Level Executives in Multi-Million Dollar Severance Negotiation
July-August 2020
Partner David Lowe and his colleagues represented several C-level executives in settlement negotiations leading to significant severance packages, including multi-million dollar settlements achieved efficiently and without litigation.
REZL Settles CFO Contract Dispute on the Eve of Trial
July 2020
The week before trial was set to being in federal court (via Zoom), attorneys David Lowe, Michelle Lee, and Zoe DeGeer settled a breach of employment contract claim on behalf of a CFO.
REZL Files Retaliation Case on Behalf of Psychiatrist Fired for Protesting Unsafe COVID Conditions
July 2020
Attorneys David Lowe and William McElhinny filed a retaliation lawsuit on behalf of a psychiatrist who refused to work in unsafe conditions due to COVID.
In Major Victory For Thousands of Oracle Women, Court Certifies Class in Equal Pay Act Case
April 2020
On April 29, 2020, the Superior Court, County of San Mateo, certified a class of women employees of Oracle who contend that Oracle paid them less than men for doing substantially similar work in violation of California’s Equal Pay Act.
Rudy Exelrod Zieff & Lowe and its co-counsel Altshuler Berzon brought this class action against Oracle on behalf of approximately 4,000 women employees operating in its Product Development, Information Technology, and Support job functions since 2013.
The Court’s ruling means that the women can litigate their claims in one trial using common evidence, rather than being forced to bring their claims separately in thousands of individual cases.
In a separate ruling, the court rejected Oracle’s attempts to exclude the testimony of economist David Neumark, a professor at UC Irvine, who analyzed Oracle’s pay records and concluded that women in those job areas received compensation averaging $13,000 less per year than men in the same job code. Neumark concluded that the likelihood of such an occurrence happening by chance is less than one in one billion.
Rudy Exelrod Zieff & Lowe’s team was led by Partner John Mullan, Partner Erin Pulaski, and Associate William McElhinny.
The court’s order granting class certification can be read here.
You can read more about the decision and its potentially far-reaching effects here.
The case is Jewett v. Oracle America Inc., 17-CIV-02669, California Superior Court, County of San Mateo (Redwood City).
Rudy, Exelrod, Zieff & Lowe Secures Numerous Six- and Seven-Figure Settlement Awards on Behalf of Individual and Class Clients
December 2019
Since the start of 2019, REZL has recovered millions of dollars in settlement awards on behalf of its clients, including in cases and pre-litigation matters involving claims for unpaid wages, WARN Act violations, sexual harassment/assault, gender discrimination, race discrimination, disability discrimination, breach of contract, unpaid commissions and bonus compensation, retaliation, and wrongful termination.
Weight Watchers Employees File Class Action for Unreimbursed Expenses.
November 2019
On November 14, 2019, Rudy Exelrod Zieff & Lowe filed a class action lawsuit accusing Weight Watchers (now “WW”) of failing to reimburse its workers for required smartphones and data plans. The proposed class includes thousands of current or former WW employees working throughout the state of California.
Court Grants Final Approval of Class Action Settlement for $3 Million on Behalf of Party Supply Company Employees Allegedly Terminated Without Notice in Violation of the WARN Act.
May 2019
REZL Represents Thousands of Women Tech Workers in a Paycheck Discrimination Lawsuit Against Oracle
January 2019
Along with Altshuler Berzon, REZL filed a motion with the Court seeking class certification in an Equal Pay Act lawsuit against Oracle on behalf of its women employees in tech roles throughout California. The lawsuit alleges that Oracle paid its female employees significantly less per year, on average, than male employees in similar roles, according to an analysis of Oracle’s own pay data. The analysis was performed by economist David Neumark, a professor at UC Irvine, who claims the likelihood of such a disparity occurring by chance is less than one in 1 billion.
REZL Secures Millions of Dollars on Behalf of Individual and Class Clients in 2018
December 2018
Since the start of 2018, REZL has recovered millions of dollars in settlement awards on behalf of its clients, including in cases and pre-litigation matters involving claims for unpaid wages, sexual harassment, gender discrimination, pregnancy discrimination, FMLA/CFRA retaliation, age discrimination, disability discrimination, breach of contract, unpaid commissions and bonus compensation, retaliation, and wrongful termination.
REZL Lawsuit Claims Google’s Networking Forums Are a “Cesspool” of Harassment
February 2018
Google, Inc.’s internal social networking forums have become a tool for widespread bullying and harassment of women, people of color, and other underrepresented groups at the tech giant. Tim Chevalier, a software developer and computer scientist, claims that Google fired him because he responded forcefully to posts attacking women and people of color and expressing white supremacist views. Chevalier, who is disabled and transgender, responded directly to the workplace bullies by posting comments challenging the hostile work environment and refuting assertions that women and people of color are biologically unsuited for software engineering, and that Google should not actively recruit them.
REZL Represents Tech Company Co-Founder in Sexual Assault Lawsuit Against a Silicon Valley Venture Capitalist
February 2018
Danae Vachata, 29, a tech co-founder and CEO, listed on Forbes “30 Under 30 in Healthcare,” filed a lawsuit accusing prominent venture capitalist Lucio Lanza, 73, of sexually assaulting her on an overnight flight. Lanza groped Vachata’s breast and crotch and tried to kiss her, while bragging that his power as a venture capitalist could make or break her company. Describing her reasons for bring suit, Vachata stated, “Exposing sexual harassment and assault is vital. It is real, and it is persistent. Victims did not create the problem, but we will be part of the solution. . . . We can’t be afraid to stand up for ourselves and others-safety is a basic human right.”
REZL Secures Numerous Six- and Seven-Figure Settlement Awards on Behalf of Individual and Class Clients
December 2017
Since the start of 2017, REZL has recovered millions of dollars in settlement awards on behalf of its clients, including in cases and pre-litigation matters involving claims for unpaid wages, sexual harassment, gender discrimination, age discrimination, disability discrimination, breach of contract, unpaid commissions and bonus compensation, retaliation, and wrongful termination.
Court Grants Final Approval of Class Action Settlement for $2.375 Million on Behalf of Product Demonstrators at California Sausage Company
June 2017
Court Grants Final Approval of Class Action Settlement for $3.45 Million on Behalf of Safety Attendants, Laborers and Helpers Working at California Oil Refineries
May 2017
Court Grants Preliminary Approval of Class Action Settlement for $2.375 Million on Behalf of Product Demonstrators at California Sausage Company
March 2017
REZL Secures Numerous Six- and Seven-Figure Settlements on Behalf of Individual and Class Clients
December 2016
In 2016, REZL obtained millions of dollars in settlement and confidential arbitration awards on behalf of its clients, including in cases and pre-litigation matters involving claims for unpaid wages, sexual harassment, disability discrimination, age discrimination, gender discrimination, breach of contract, employee misclassification, retaliation, and wrongful termination.
REZL Recovers Millions of Dollars in Unpaid Commissions for High-Performing Sales Employees
December 2016
In 2016, REZL recovered millions of dollars in unpaid commissions on behalf of sales representatives and other commission-eligible employees, including as a result of successful arbitrations.
REZL Featured in the Recorder’s “California’s Million-Dollar Settlements” for the Largest Employment Law Settlement of 2015
May 30, 2016
The Recorder’s “California’s Million Dollar Settlements” feature recognized David Lowe and Erin Pulaski (along with co-counsel) for securing the Largest Employment Law Settlement of 2015. The feature highlighted the largest California settlements in 2015, including a $4 million settlement achieved by Mr. Lowe and Ms. Pulaski in an individual retaliation and defamation case.
Firm Obtains $1.19 Million Verdict in Disability Discrimination Trial
October 2015
Following a four-week trial in Kern County, a jury awarded a client of Rudy, Exelrod, Zieff & Lowe, a blind physical therapist, $1.19 million in lost wages and emotional distress damages. The case settled while the jury was deciding the amount of punitive damages to award. The client was represented by David Lowe and Erin Pulaski.
Rudy, Exelrod, Zieff & Lowe Represents Ellen Pao in Landmark Gender Discrimination Case
March 2015
Alan Exelrod and Michelle Lee represented Ellen Pao in her landmark discrimination case against one of the leading venture capital firms, Kleiner Perkins Caulfield & Byers. The case received global media attention and raised important issues relating to the absence of women in the venture capital and tech industries.
Firm Obtains $4 Million Dollar Judgment Following Retaliation and Defamation Trial
March 2015
Following a two-week trial in Sacramento, a jury found Defendant Diocese of Sacramento liable for retaliating against and defaming Plaintiff Christopher Cerbone. The jury awarded $900,000 in damages for emotional distress and harm to reputation, and found that the Diocese acted with malice. After arguments concerning punitive damages, the Diocese agreed to pay a $4 million judgment. Mr. Cerbone was represented by David Lowe, Erin Pulaski and co-counsel Tyler Clark.
Court Grants Final Approval of Class Action Settlement For $1.69 Million In Case Against Weight Watchers
December 2014
On December 16, 2014, the court in Connolly, et al. v. Weight Watchers North America, Inc. (Northern District of California) granted final approval to a class action settlement under which Weight Watchers agreed to pay $1,687,500 million to settle all claims in a case on behalf of Leaders, Receptionists, and employees who performed hourly paid location coordinate work for Weight Watchers in California during the class period. The class is represented by Steve Zieff, John Mullan and Michelle Lee.
Rudy, Exelrod, Zieff & Lowe Represents Whitney Wolfe in Suit Against Tinder
June 2014
On June 30, 2014, Ms. Wolfe filed a lawsuit against the hugely popular mobile dating app, accusing Tinder’s top executives of engaging in sex discrimination and harassment, and of retaliating against her when she complained about their conduct. Ms. Wolfe is represented by David Lowe and John Mullan.
Court Grants Final Approval of $2.88 Million Class Action Settlement in Case Against TIN, Inc.
December 2013
On December 12, 2013, the court in Vaca v. Tin, Inc. (Northern District of California) granted final approval to a class action settlement in a case on behalf of Corrugators and other employees employed in a plant operated by TIN, Inc. dba Temple-Inland, Inc. in the state of California at any time between January 26, 2008 and July 3, 2013. Defendant agreed to pay up to $2,875,000 to settle the case.
Firm Finalizes 108 Individual Settlements in Wage & Hour Action
June 2013
On June 21, 2013, Rudy, Exelrod, Zieff & Lowe, along with co-counsel Robert Nelson, finalized 108 individual settlements for employees who alleged that their former employer had failed to pay them for all hours worked.
Court Grants Final Approval of Class Action Settlement for $6.2 Million
May 2011
The Court signed an order granting final approval to the settlement negotiated by the parties, under which Weight Watchers paid $6.2 million to settle all claims in the case on behalf of a class of Leaders, Receptionists, and employees who performed hourly-paid Location Coordinator work for Weight Watchers in the State of California at any time during the period from September 17, 2005 through January 8, 2011.
Court Grants Final Approval of Class Action Settlement for $1.477 Million
December 17, 2010
The Northern District of California granted final approval to a $1.477 million class action settlement to settle the overtime pay claims and related claims of 52 Salon Managers who worked for Ulta Salons.
Final Approval Granted in Class Action Settlement for $5 Million
October 29, 2010
The Santa Clara Superior Court granted final approval to a $5 million class action settlement on behalf of technical writers employed by Sun Microsystems.
Court Grants Final Approval of Settlement in Class Action Against Flextronics America LLC
October 7, 2010
The Alameda Superior Court granted final approval to a $1.33 million class action settlement to settle the overtime pay claims and related claims of 41 Area Team Leaders (or Territory Managers) employed by Flextronics America LLC (formerly Solectron).
Final Approval Granted in Class Action Settlement for $8 Million
August 2010
The United States District Court for the District of Oregon granted final approval to an $8 million class action settlement on behalf of Personal Lines Claims Representatives who worked for Farmers Insurance Exchange in various class positions nationwide. The $8 million settlement compensates the plaintiffs for their unpaid overtime.
Firm Obtains Final Approval of Settlement on Behalf of 775 Former Employees of Spansion
June 2010
The United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware granted final approval to a class action settlement of federal and California WARN Act claims on behalf of approximately 775 former employees of Spansion, one of the world’s leading semiconductor companies. The settlement provided for the establishment of approximately $8.6 million in allowed claims in Spansion’s bankruptcy case.
Firm Obtains Final Approval of $2.15 Million Class Action Settlement On Behalf of Canvassers and Field Managers at Fund for Public Interest Research
May 2009
The Northern District of California granted final approval to a $2.15 million settlement in a class action lawsuit against Fund for Public Interest Research, Inc. Rudy, Exelrod, Zieff & Lowe filed Rich Prentice, et al. v. The Fund for Public Interest Research, Inc., on December 19, 2006, on behalf of Canvassers and Field Managers who were forced to work unpaid training days and more than 40 hours per week without overtime compensation. The $2.15 million settlement compensates the plaintiffs for their unpaid training days, overtime and related claims.
Court Grants Final Approval of $65 Million Class Action Settlement in Case Against International Business Machine Corp.
July 2007
The Northern District Court granted final approval to a $65 million settlement in a federal class action lawsuit against International Business Machines Corp. Rudy, Exelrod & Zieff, along with co-counsel, filed Rosenburg v. IBM, in U.S. District Court for the Northern District in January 2006 on behalf of approximately 32,000 IBM Technical Services Professionals and Information Technology Specialists who were forced to work more than 40 hours per week and on weekends without overtime compensation. The $65 million settlement compensates the plaintiffs for their unpaid overtime and related claims.
Final Approval Granted in $3 Million Class Action Settlement in Case Against NorthPoint Communications, Inc.
June 2007
The Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of California granted final approval to a $3 million settlement in a class action lawsuit brought against NorthPoint Communications, Inc. In Gan v. Schoenmann (In Re: NorthPoint Communications, Inc.), the plaintiffs alleged that NorthPoint Communications Inc. violated the Workers Adjustment Retraining and Notification Act (“WARN Act”) by failing to give 60-day notice before a mass layoff in March 2001. The $3 million payment from the bankruptcy estate compensates the plaintiffs for the missed 60-day notice.
Court Grants Final Approval of $6.2 Million Class Action Settlement On Behalf of Employees of SBC Communications
January 2006
The Los Angeles Superior Court granted final approval to a class action settlement in Dudley v. SBC Communications. The settlement provided for more than $6.2 million in monetary damages for current and former SBC Communications employees who plaintiffs allege were subject to illegal leave policies. The settlement also provided for paid days off for certain current employees and required SBC Communications to take corrective action with regards to its California Family Rights Act and Family Medical Leave Act policies.
Court Grants Final Approval of $24 Million Class Action Settlement in Misclassification Case Against Computer Sciences Corporation
July 2005
The Central District of California granted final approval to a class action settlement in Giannetto v. Computer Sciences Corporation. The settlement provided for $24 million in monetary damages for current and former Computer Sciences Corporation technical employees who plaintiffs allege were unlawfully classified as exempt in order to deprive them of overtime pay.
Defendant Pays Over $200 Million in One of Largest Overtime Cases In U.S. Jurisprudential History
March 2005
After more than eight years of hard-fought litigation, approximately $114.2 million in back pay and interest checks were mailed to those members of the Bell v. Farmers Insurance Exchange class of Personal Lines Claims Representatives who worked for Farmers in class positions in California at some time between October 1, 1993 and the date of trial in this case (June 26, 2001) and submitted approved claims. A second distribution to these class members in the amount of $10 million was mailed on June 30, 2005. On June 6, 2005, approximately $27.5 million was mailed to those members of the Bell v. Farmers Insurance Exchange settlement class of Personal Lines Claims Representatives to settle all claims for post-June 26, 2001 (i.e., post-trial) overtime, as well as potential claims for additional wage and hour law violations from September 2000 to August 31, 2004. With attorneys’ fees, costs and interest, Farmers were required to pay over $200 million to resolve the case, which remains among the largest overtime judgments or settlement, if not the largest, in U.S. jurisprudential history. Steve Zieff was awarded the California Lawyer Attorney of the Year award for his work on this landmark case.