Ray v. United States Postal Service

Background

Michael Ray sued the United States Postal Service over alleged damages arising from claims under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), the federal law governing certain wage and overtime rights. The parties submitted a proposed settlement and dismissal agreement.

Settlement Terms

The Postal Service agreed to pay a total of $18,000. One $10,000 check was to be paid to Ray, consisting of $5,000 for alleged lost wages and $5,000 in liquidated damages under 29 U.S.C. § 260. A second $8,000 check was to be paid to the Law Office of Rudy A. Dermesropian, LLC, for attorney’s fees.

Ray agreed to accept the settlement in full resolution of claims arising from the facts and circumstances of the action. He released and discharged the Government—including the Postal Service and specified federal entities and personnel—from those claims and agreed not to bring another lawsuit or administrative proceeding concerning matters covered by the release. The agreement stated that it was not an admission of fault or liability by either side and included costs, interest, attorney’s fees, and other litigation expenses in the settlement. The court retained jurisdiction over disputes concerning the settlement payment.

Court’s Ruling

After considering the parties’ submissions and the factors identified in Wolinsky v. Scholastic Inc., the court found that the proposed settlement and attorney-fee component were fair and reasonable and satisfied the requirements of Cheeks v. Freeport Pancake House, Inc. The judgment dismissed Ray’s claims against the Postal Service with prejudice, without costs, expenses, or fees to either party except as provided in the settlement. The case was closed.

Classification

This is a procedural order because the case ended through an approved settlement and dismissal rather than a decision on the underlying FLSA claims.