News in Brief October 24 – FedEx, Robert Half and More

$15M FedEx Drivers’ FLSA Settlement Approved

An Oregon judge has approved a more than $15 million settlement to end a lengthy class action fight from FedEx drivers who claimed they were stiffed on wages after being wrongly classified as independent contractors. According to reports, 90 percent of the roughly 400 drivers who may have been eligible for a reward filed a claim for their share of the settlement. The drivers’ deal with FedEx resolves three lawsuits and puts to rest allegations that the company failed to pay overtime and deducted costs from drivers’ paychecks illegally.

Lawsuit: Robert Half Illegally Reported False Conviction to Potential Employer

An Ohio man has filed a proposed class action against Robert Half International claiming the staffing outfit illegally reported a false criminal conviction to a possible employer before he could dispute the results of his background check. According to the suit, the plaintiff says he submitted to a background check as part of a job application, the results of which erroneously included that he was convicted of a robbery. This was communicated to the plaintiff’s potential employer—Nationwide Mutual Insurance—before the man could respond. Although he was sent a letter shortly after saying that a decision was pending about his employment, the plaintiff says he had already been told he was “unplaceable” and did not get the job.

Tipped Workers Sign Off on $1.75M NYC Restaurant FLSA Settlement

A $1.75 million settlement has been reached in a Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) class action filed by current and former employees of high-end New York City restaurant Scarpetta who claimed they were paid less than the minimum wage. The settlement with “Chopped” judge Scott Conant and other management entities puts to rest a June 2015 lawsuit that also claimed employees were forced to pool and split tips with workers who were not eligible to receive them. This included workers, such as stockers and sommeliers, who did not have to interact with customers. According to reports, settlement amounts will be calculated based on the number of hours worked during the time period outlined in the complaint.