LOS ANGELES, Calif.–A judge today gave preliminary approval to a $625,000 class-action settlement of a lawsuit involving nearly 500 current and former employees of Lacoste USA stores, who alleged wage-and-hour violations and said they were required to wear the trendy designer’s clothing at work.
Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Amy Hogue, who gave her nod to the tentative accord, scheduled a Dec. 22 hearing to consider final approval of the settlement between the employees and Devanlay Retail Group Inc., which licenses Lacoste products in the United States.
A. Nicholas Georggin, an attorney for the 497 Lacoste sales and stock associates who are plaintiffs, said the settlement applies to all hourly retail employees who have worked at Lacoste USA stores in California from November 2005 to the present.
“We’re very happy with the settlement,” Georggin said.
Many of the workers made $8 an hour and under the accord will receive an additional $3 per hour worked, he said.
The lead plaintiff, Nicole Hollinghurst, filed her case in November 2009.
“Based on my personal involvement with this case from filing of the lawsuit through the settlement process, I believe the settlement is fair and is the best result result for and in the best interest of all class members,” she said in a sworn statement.
The settlement includes no admission of liability by Lacoste of any violation of state or local laws.
The employees alleged they were not paid for all hours worked, were not given timely meal and rest breaks and were ordered to wear Lacoste clothing while on the job.
Lacoste apparel can cost more than $100 per piece. Workers were provided with five items of clothing twice a year for free, but had to pay for additional pieces they needed, according to the suit.
