Rivera v. Eastland Assoc Corp.

Background

Santos Rivera sued Eastland Assoc Corp. and Benedetto Cupo under the Fair Labor Standards Act and New York Labor Law. The caption states that Rivera brought the action individually and on behalf of all others similarly situated. The parties consented to the magistrate judge’s authority to decide the case under 28 U.S.C. § 636(c).

The parties reached an agreement in principle to resolve the action and submitted their proposed settlement for judicial approval. They also submitted a letter explaining why they believed the agreement was fair, reasonable, and adequate. The court reviewed those materials, the settlement’s terms, and its own familiarity with the strengths and weaknesses of the parties’ positions.

Ruling

The court found that the proposed settlement was fair, reasonable, and adequate both to address Rivera’s claims and to compensate his counsel for legal fees. The court therefore approved the settlement.

The court also retained jurisdiction over the matter to enforce the settlement agreement if necessary. As a result of the approval, the action was discontinued with prejudice and without costs. The Clerk of Court was directed to close the case.

Effect

The order resolved the action through the approved settlement rather than through a trial or ruling on the underlying wage claims. The opinion does not state the settlement amount or provide the settlement’s other specific financial terms.