Valdez Gonzalez v. Gabrielli Truck Sales, Ltd.

Background

Luis Valdez Gonzalez brought this action under the Fair Labor Standards Act and the New York Labor Law against Gabrielli Truck Sales, Ltd. The parties reached a settlement in principle. Judge Paul G. Gardephe referred the plaintiff’s motion to approve the settlement to Magistrate Judge Debra Freeman, with the parties’ consent under 28 U.S.C. § 636(c).

Settlement review

The court conducted the fairness review required for Fair Labor Standards Act settlements. It considered the plaintiff’s explanation of why the agreement was fair, reasonable, and adequate, the agreement’s terms, the relevant circumstances, and the court’s familiarity with the action. The court found that the settlement fairly and reasonably addressed the plaintiff’s claims and compensated his counsel for legal fees, and approved the agreement.

Retention of jurisdiction

The proposed agreement stated that the court would retain jurisdiction over disputes arising from the settlement. After the court asked about this provision, both parties expressly consented to the court’s retaining jurisdiction to enforce the agreement. The court therefore retained jurisdiction for that purpose.

Disposition

Because the settlement was approved and appeared to have been signed by both parties, Judge Debra Freeman ordered that the action be discontinued with prejudice and without costs or fees to any party. The Clerk of Court was directed to close the case.