Massive $398 Million Settlement Addresses Wage Violations for Poultry Workers
In a landmark decision for the poultry processing industry, three prominent law firms—Hagens Berman Sobol Shapiro LLP, Handley Farah & Anderson PLLC, and Cohen Milstein Sellers & Toll PLLC—have successfully negotiated a staggering $398.05 million in settlements for workers affected by alleged wage violations. The lawsuit, known as Jien v. Perdue Farms, took place in the United States District Court for the District of Maryland and centers around serious allegations that multiple poultry companies conspired to suppress wages unlawfully.
The defendants in this case include well-known poultry giants such as Tyson Foods, Inc., Pilgrim's Pride Corporation, and Perdue Farms, Inc., along with several others like Cargill Meat Solutions Corporation and Butterball, LLC. While the defendants deny any wrongdoing, some have opted for settlements to mitigate their financial exposure and avoid the risks associated with trial. Notably, the lawsuit remains active against Agri Stats, Inc., with claims still being contested.
Class members entitled to participate in the settlement include individuals who have worked at any affiliated poultry processing facilities, plants, hatcheries, or feed mills under the defendant companies from January 1, 2000, through July 20, 2021. This broad timeframe means that a significant number of workers may qualify for compensation, with a total of $363.25 million available specifically for the main class of individuals.
Additionally, there is a smaller subclass for those who worked at the defendant's poultry plants from January 1, 2009, through July 20, 2021, eligible for up to $34.8 million from settlements with three other defendants. The funds from the settlements will not only compensate affected individuals but will also cover lawsuit-related costs, attorney fees, and any administrative expenses incurred during the proceedings.
It is imperative for individuals who received compensation notices to take action by updating their employment details at www.PoultryWages.com by the deadline of October 29, 2025. Those who did not receive notices must promptly submit a Participation Form to secure their claims. Payments are formulated on a pro-rata basis, subject to taxes and determined by individual circumstances, including length of service and earnings history.
Individuals wishing to retain their right to sue the defendants independently must opt-out by May 27, 2025, whereas any objections to the settlements should also be registered by this date.
A hearing is scheduled for June 5, 2025, where the Court will determine whether to approve these settlements along with attorney fee requests amounting to one-third of the total settlements, approximately $132.67 million, plus interest and other costs. For further information regarding the process, participants can visit the dedicated website or contact the settlement administration team. This settlement not only marks an important victory for wage fairness among poultry workers but also showcases the continuing efforts by legal advocates to uphold workers' rights against corporate misconduct.
The defendants in this case include well-known poultry giants such as Tyson Foods, Inc., Pilgrim's Pride Corporation, and Perdue Farms, Inc., along with several others like Cargill Meat Solutions Corporation and Butterball, LLC. While the defendants deny any wrongdoing, some have opted for settlements to mitigate their financial exposure and avoid the risks associated with trial. Notably, the lawsuit remains active against Agri Stats, Inc., with claims still being contested.
Class members entitled to participate in the settlement include individuals who have worked at any affiliated poultry processing facilities, plants, hatcheries, or feed mills under the defendant companies from January 1, 2000, through July 20, 2021. This broad timeframe means that a significant number of workers may qualify for compensation, with a total of $363.25 million available specifically for the main class of individuals.
Additionally, there is a smaller subclass for those who worked at the defendant's poultry plants from January 1, 2009, through July 20, 2021, eligible for up to $34.8 million from settlements with three other defendants. The funds from the settlements will not only compensate affected individuals but will also cover lawsuit-related costs, attorney fees, and any administrative expenses incurred during the proceedings.
It is imperative for individuals who received compensation notices to take action by updating their employment details at www.PoultryWages.com by the deadline of October 29, 2025. Those who did not receive notices must promptly submit a Participation Form to secure their claims. Payments are formulated on a pro-rata basis, subject to taxes and determined by individual circumstances, including length of service and earnings history.
Individuals wishing to retain their right to sue the defendants independently must opt-out by May 27, 2025, whereas any objections to the settlements should also be registered by this date.
A hearing is scheduled for June 5, 2025, where the Court will determine whether to approve these settlements along with attorney fee requests amounting to one-third of the total settlements, approximately $132.67 million, plus interest and other costs. For further information regarding the process, participants can visit the dedicated website or contact the settlement administration team. This settlement not only marks an important victory for wage fairness among poultry workers but also showcases the continuing efforts by legal advocates to uphold workers' rights against corporate misconduct.
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