Legal Settlements of $398.05 Million for Poultry Workers Announced

Groundbreaking Legal Settlements for Poultry Workers

In a significant development for labor rights, law firms Hagens Berman Sobol Shapiro LLP, Handley Farah & Anderson PLLC, and Cohen Milstein Sellers & Toll PLLC have announced settlements totaling $398.05 million for poultry processing workers. This settlement arises from a series of litigation involving allegations against poultry companies for unlawful wage fixing, effectively depriving workers of their rightful earnings. The lawsuit, known as Jien v. Perdue Farms, was filed in the United States District Court for the District of Maryland.

The litigation claims that several prominent poultry corporations engaged in discussions about employee wages, a practice termed as collusion. This coordination allegedly enabled these companies to pay their workers less than the legally prescribed amounts. Major names implicated in this lawsuit include Tyson Foods, Pilgrim's Pride, Perdue Farms, Cargill Meat Solutions, and Sanderson Farms, among others. Despite the settlements, it is important to note that these companies deny any wrongdoing; a few have opted to settle briefly to avoid the costs and uncertainties associated with prolonged litigation. Notably, Agri Stats, Inc. has not settled and remains engaged in the ongoing legal proceedings.

Eligible individuals for these settlements are defined as those who worked at any of the defendant companies' poultry processing facilities or hatcheries in the U.S. at any time between January 1, 2000, and July 20, 2021. This Class of affected individuals qualifies for payments from a total of $363.25 million set aside from the settlements with twenty defendant companies.

Additionally, a Subclass exists for those employed at poultry plants specifically between January 1, 2009, and July 20, 2021. Members of this Subclass are eligible for further payments from an additional $34.8 million in settlements involving three other defendants.

Important Deadlines and Information

Individuals who have received a notice detailing their compensation need not take any action to receive funds. However, it is crucial for them to update their contact and employment details at www.PoultryWages.com by October 29, 2025. If any economic information is missing in their notices, they must correct it through the same website to ensure payment eligibility.

For those unaware of their inclusion in the class, a Participation Form must be submitted either online or via mail by the same deadline, October 29, 2025. Payments will be distributed on a pro-rata basis depending on each individual's length of employment, earnings, and the total number of participants in the settlements. Additionally, pertinent tax withholdings may apply.

Individuals wishing to retain their right to file separate lawsuits regarding claims in this case must opt out by May 27, 2025. Participants may also voice objections to the settlements before the same date.

A courtroom hearing will take place on June 5, 2025, where there will be discussions regarding the final approval of these settlements and potential attorney fees, which could total up to one-third of the settlements or approximately $132,670,065. Legal costs and awards to class representatives may also incur substantial sums, with some estimates approaching $30,000 per representative.

For further details on opting out or filing objections, individuals are encouraged to visit www.PoultryWages.com for comprehensive guidance. Additionally, inquiries can be directed to the settlement office via email or by calling the provided numbers.

This monumental settlement represents a crucial moment for labor rights in the poultry industry, aiming to rectify long-standing wage violations that have affected countless workers across the U.S.