Settlement Reaches $398 Million for Poultry Workers: Legal Update on Jien v. Perdue Farms

Legal Update on Poultry Workers Settlement

In a significant development for poultry processing workers, Hagens Berman Sobol Shapiro LLP, Handley Farah & Anderson PLLC, and Cohen Milstein Sellers & Toll PLLC have jointly announced a historic settlement totaling $398.02 million in a class-action lawsuit known as Jien v. Perdue Farms. This settlement is aimed at benefiting those who worked in the poultry processing industry between 2000 and 2021, who may have been affected by alleged unlawful wage practices.

Background of the Lawsuit

The lawsuit asserts that several poultry companies colluded to suppress wages for their workers, effectively undermining fair compensation. Specifically, it alleges that these companies coordinated their pay scales illegally, allowing them to pay workers less than they deserved. The company Agri Stats, Inc. is notably mentioned for allegedly assisting these practices through the provision of wage-related data. The defendants in this case, which include industry giants such as Tyson Foods, Perdue Farms, and Sanderson Farms, have denied these claims.

In June 2025, a court approved settlements with most of the companies involved, leaving Agri Stats as the last defendant to agree to a settlement, which has now occurred.

Who is Eligible?

Individuals who are part of the class action are primarily those who were employed by the defendants at any poultry processing plant, hatchery, feed mill, or complex in the U.S. during the specified period. Importantly, this eligibility excludes Agri Stats and the auditing company Webber, Meng, Sahl, and Company.

Details of the Settlement

While the settlement itself does not provide direct financial compensation to the class members from Agri Stats, it will lead to significant changes in the reports that Agri Stats provides to poultry companies by removing certain labor-related information. However, class members may still be eligible to claim funds from previous settlements associated with the defendant companies.

Your Rights as a Class Member

For all individuals included in the class, it's essential to be aware that even inaction will bind them to the court's decisions regarding this settlement. If approved by the court, participating individuals will relinquish their rights to pursue separate legal actions against Agri Stats related to this case.
Participants can voice objections to the settlement until January 12, 2026, and detailed instructions on how to do so are available on the official website. Furthermore, there will be a hearing on March 10, 2026, where class members or their legal representatives are allowed to express their views regarding the settlement.

Conclusion

This settlement marks a significant victory for poultry processing workers who have faced unfair labor practices over the years. It underscores the importance of standing against wage suppression in the industry. For further details or to learn more about your rights and options as a class member, please visit www.PoultryWages.com or contact their support center at 1-877-311-3745.

The fight for fair wages continues, and this settlement seems to pave the way for a more equitable future in the poultry processing sector.