Santa Clara, CA: A preliminary $3.1 million settlement has been reached in an employment class action lawsuit brought by Pizza Hut drivers in Florida who allege the fast food chain failed to reimburse them for expenses.
Under the terms of the proposed settlement, members of the non-arbitration subclass will receive nearly 86 percent of their alleged reimbursement damages, and the arbitration subclass will receive about 14.5 percent of their alleged reimbursement damages.
The named plaintiffs representing the class will each receive $10,000. Additionally, the drivers have asked the court to certify the putative class of approximately 2,250 Florida delivery drivers that Pizza Hut has employed for any length of time since March 7, 2009.
"Despite the strengths of their case, plaintiffs are mindful that litigating the case could be protracted, extending to trial and appeal,"the drivers stated. "Plaintiffs' counsel have also taken into account the uncertain outcome and risks of the litigation, as well as the difficulties and delays inherent in such litigation. They have, therefore, determined that the settlement agreement proposed by the parties is fair, reasonable and adequate."
The suit was filed in March 2014. The case is Justin Barkley et al. v. Pizza Hut of America Inc., case number 6:14-cv-00376, in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida.
