Where the settlement of a collective action for alleged unpaid overtime wages was fair and reasonable, it was approved by the court.
Background
Plaintiff Jessica Chittum brought this action on behalf of herself and similarly situated current and former employees of National Lutheran Inc. to recover damages for alleged unpaid overtime wages. This matter is before the court on the parties’ joint motion for final settlement approval.
Preliminary issues
Rule 23(e) requires that the court “direct notice in a reasonable manner to all class members who would be bound” by the proposed settlement. This requirement has been met. Next, Rule 23(e) provides that the court may approve a class action settlement “only after a hearing.” This requirement has also been fulfilled.
Rule 23(e)
Rule 23(e) provides that the court may approve a class action settlement “only on a finding that it is fair, reasonable, and adequate.” The court must first consider if the class representatives and class counsel have adequately represented the class. The court finds that they have.
Mr. Coffield has practiced employment law for over a decade and litigated numerous wage and hour cases, including class and collective actions, in the Virginia federal courts. Mr. Coffield regularly appears before this court representing plaintiffs in employment class and collective actions, and he has proven himself a competent litigator and negotiator. Moreover, Chittum’s objectives are aligned with those of the other class...
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