Wisniewski v. Johnson Controls, Inc.

Background

The plaintiffs sued Johnson Controls, Inc. for damages under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), a federal law governing wages and working hours, and the New York Labor Law. The parties jointly asked the court to approve their settlement agreement.

Settlement Review

The court reviewed the fully signed settlement agreement and the parties’ letter request. The parties reached the agreement after full discovery and work with a private mediator. In deciding whether to approve an FLSA settlement, the court considered the risks, burdens, and costs of continuing the case; the possible recovery; whether the agreement resulted from arm’s-length bargaining; the attorneys’ fees; and the possibility of fraud or collusion.

The court noted that the agreement contained no confidentiality restrictions or non-disparagement provisions. It found that the attorneys’ fees were within a fair and reasonable range. After a change directed by the court, the release was limited to wage-and-hour claims.

Ruling

The court found the settlement agreement fair and reasonable and approved it. Because the case was resolved by settlement, the court dismissed and discontinued the entire case with prejudice, without costs or fees to either party except as provided in the settlement agreement. The court directed the clerk to terminate all motions and deadlines and close the case.