Sahiti v. Tarentum Ltd.

Background

Blendi Sahiti brought this action against Tarentum, Ltd., and other defendants under the Fair Labor Standards Act and the New York Labor Law. The parties consented to the magistrate judge’s authority to decide the case. After reaching an agreement in principle, they submitted a proposed settlement agreement and a letter explaining why they believed it was fair, reasonable, and adequate.

Settlement approval

The court reviewed the proposed agreement under the requirement that courts evaluate the fairness of settlements resolving Fair Labor Standards Act claims. Considering the relevant circumstances and the parties’ explanations, the court found that the agreement was fair, reasonable, and adequate both to address Sahiti’s claims and to compensate Sahiti’s counsel for legal fees. The court therefore approved the agreement.

Retention of enforcement authority

The order did not include the settlement’s terms. The agreement also did not state that the court would retain authority to enforce it, and the court made no independent decision to retain that authority. The court explained that approval of the settlement did not itself mean that the federal court would later enforce the agreement.

Disposition

As a result of approving the settlement, Judge Jennifer E. Willis ordered that the action be discontinued with prejudice and without costs. The order allowed Sahiti, within 30 days, to apply by letter to restore the action to the court’s active calendar if any part of the written settlement documentation was not completed. The clerk was requested to close the case.