Status Update

The Judge issued an important order today approving the use of Special Masters to assist the EEOC in reviewing the 28,000+ disputed claims in this case. Federal courts commonly use Special Masters to assist with adjudication of complex class actions. In this case, the EEOC will appoint five Special Masters who will each have broad discretion to recommend damages and relief for the claims presented to them.

Pursuant to today’s Order, 2,200+ claimant names will be presented to the Special Masters in approximately three months, representing the initial batch of claims for review and consideration by the Special Masters. After that, the Special Masters will have no more than one year to issue recommended damages and relief for each claim presented to them.

Thus, by the Fall of 2021, the EEOC will have a large volume of claim valuations for this case, which will accelerate the EEOC’s valuation of all the remaining claims. In addition, it is possible that the Special Masters’ valuation of 2,200+ claims will help the parties evaluate possible settlement of claims. In this way, today’s Order marks a significant advance toward individual relief awards for each claimant.

Today’s Order is somewhat complicated, and it is possible that the Judge will issue revisions as the process moves forward. Nevertheless, today’s Order reflects the Judge’s strong desire to move the process forward decisively.

Please continue to check this website for updates. Thank you for your cooperation and patience through this lengthy process.