#USA #Berkeley #Legal Settlement #Hagens Berman #Poultry Workers

$398 Million Settlement for Poultry Processing Workers

In a significant development for workers in the poultry processing industry, law firms Hagens Berman Sobol Shapiro LLP, Handley Farah & Anderson PLLC, and Cohen Milstein Sellers & Toll PLLC have announced a substantial settlement totaling $398.05 million. This agreement stems from a major lawsuit, Jien v. Perdue Farms, No. 119-cv-002521, filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland, highlighting unlawful pay practices across several poultry companies.

The Nature of the Allegations

The lawsuit argues that multiple poultry processing companies colluded to manipulate employee wages, resulting in lower compensation than what workers rightfully earned. The companies named in the lawsuit include prominent names such as Tyson Foods, Inc, Pilgrim's Pride Corporation, Perdue Farms, and many others. While the defendants deny any wrongdoing, some have opted to settle to mitigate further litigation costs and risks, whereas the case progresses against Agri Stats, Inc., one of the remaining defendants.

Who Qualifies for Compensation?

Workers eligible for compensation under this agreement have to meet specific criteria. Those who were employed at any of the defendants' poultry processing facilities, hatcheries, or feed mills from January 1, 2000, to July 20, 2021, are considered part of the main group. Compensation from the settlements with 20 defendants in this category amounts to $363.25 million.

In addition to the main group, there exists a smaller subgroup for individuals who worked at the companies' poultry plants from January 1, 2009, to July 20, 2021. Eligible individuals in this subgroup will benefit from an additional total of $34.8 million from settlements with three supplementary defendants.

Allocation of Settlement Funds

The allocated funds will not only compensate the affected individuals but also cover litigation costs, attorney fees, notification expenses, and representatives' compensation. Companies that have settled are expected to cooperate in facilitating these payments.

For those individuals who have already received notification about their compensation amounts, no further action is required for payment. However, they must ensure their contact and employment details are updated on PoultryWages.com by October 29, 2025. In cases where individuals have received incomplete notifications regarding their income, it is crucial they visit the website to provide or correct necessary information to ensure eligibility for funds.

Important Deadlines and Legal Rights

Individuals who did not receive any notification must submit a Participation Form by the set deadline of October 29, 2025 to become eligible for compensation. Distribution of compensation to workers will be performed on a proportional basis, depending on the number of claimants and their time of employment.

A critical aspect of this process is ensuring individuals maintain their right to file independent lawsuits. Those who choose not to settle must opt out before May 27, 2025. Additionally, there is an opportunity for individuals to oppose the settlement agreements before this same date.

Upcoming Court Hearing

A court hearing is scheduled for June 5, 2025, where the judge will decide whether to approve the settlement and consider a requested attorney fee of up to one-third of the total settlements, an estimated $132,670,065, along with other legal fees associated with the case.

For further details on the process, individuals can visit PoultryWages.com or contact the helpline for assistance.

This settlement not only represents a significant financial restitution for the workers affected by this illegal wage scheme but also underscores the continuous efforts against unfair labor practices within major industries. As the legal proceedings move forward, it remains crucial for affected individuals to stay informed and assert their rights appropriately.