Cunningham v. New York Junior Tennis League, Inc.

Background

The parties reached a settlement in an action brought in part under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), a federal law governing wages and working conditions. The court had previously ordered the parties to explain the basis for the proposed settlement and why it should be approved, citing the factors used to evaluate FLSA settlements.

Court’s Rulings

After reviewing the parties’ letter and settlement agreement, the court found that the settlement was fair and reasonable in light of the nature and scope of Ikeam Cunningham’s individual claim.

The court held that any modification of the settlement agreement required court approval, even if the agreement purported to allow the parties to modify it without court approval. The court also found no basis for keeping the settlement confidential because judicial documents are generally subject to public access. Accordingly, the court denied the defendant’s request to remove the settlement agreement from the docket.

Subject to those terms, the court approved the settlement. It dismissed the case with prejudice, meaning the case was ended and could not be refiled as the same action. The court also ruled that all pending motions were moot and directed the clerk to close the case.

Additional Order

Defense counsel was required to serve a copy of the order on Cunningham by both email and regular mail no later than August 18, 2020, and to file proof of service.