Amhaz v. Booking.com Inc.

Background

Nancy Amhaz brought the action on behalf of herself and others similarly situated. The complaint asserted claims under the Fair Labor Standards Act, the New York Labor Law, the New York State Human Rights Law, and the New York City Human Rights Law. The plaintiffs alleged, among other things, that the defendants failed to pay overtime wages, failed to provide wage statements and records, and engaged in unlawful discrimination and sexual harassment.

Settlement Review

The parties submitted a proposed settlement for court approval. Magistrate Judge Ona T. Wang issued a report recommending approval under the standard requiring a court to determine that a Fair Labor Standards Act settlement is fair and reasonable. No party filed objections. Because there were no objections, the district court reviewed the report for clear error, meaning a definite and firm conviction that a mistake had been made.

The court found no clear error. It agreed with Magistrate Judge Wang that the circumstances of the negotiations, the possible recovery, the litigation risks, and the parties’ arm’s-length negotiations supported approval. The court also found no evidence of fraud or collusion, no improper settlement provisions, and attorney’s fees and costs within the range typically approved in the district.

Ruling

Judge George B. Daniels adopted Magistrate Judge Wang’s report and approved the proposed settlement agreement. The opinion does not state the settlement amount or the agreement’s complete terms.