California Chevron Class Action Settlement: Are You Eligible for a Payment?
If you were a contractor working at a Chevron oil refinery in Richmond or El Segundo, CA, between September 20, 2015, and February 22, 2023. In that case, you might be eligible for a payment from a class action settlement.
What is this Lawsuit About?
The lawsuit, named Clayborne v. Chevron U.S.A., Inc., et al., Case No. 19-cv-07624-JSW, centers around allegations of unpaid wages for work performed at Chevron's oil refineries. The plaintiff claimed that Chevron jointly employed its contractors' employees and that these contractors failed to pay hourly workers at Chevron's Richmond and El Segundo refineries for all hours worked.
The unpaid hours include time spent on mandatory pre-shift transportation to their work sites, time spent putting on Nomex and other special protective gear before the start of each shift, and improperly docked hourly workers' pay. Both Chevron and its contractors deny any wrongdoing. The Court did not decide which side was right. However, both sides agreed to a settlement to resolve the case and benefit workers.
What is the Proposed Settlement?
Chevron and Newtron have agreed to pay $1,925,000 into a fund to be divided among eligible Class Members. Your fund share will depend on the number of weeks you worked at Chevron's Richmond and/or El Segundo refinery from September 20, 2015, through February 22, 2023.
A Settlement Agreement providing details about the proposed settlement can be found at www.RefinerySettlement.com
How Do You Ask for a Payment?
If you didn't receive an individually addressed settlement notice, you must contact the settlement administrator at Chevron USA Settlement Administrator; c/o JND Legal Administration; PO Box 91461; Seattle, WA 98111. Alternatively, you can use the QR code for further instructions.
Please note you must contact the settlement administrator by May 22, 2023, to be included in the settlement.
What Are Your Other Options?
If you don't wish to be legally bound by the settlement, you can exclude yourself by May 22, 2023. By doing so, you retain your right to sue or continue to sue Chevron or Newtron about the legal claims in this case. However, remember that if you exclude yourself, you won't be eligible to receive money from this settlement.
If you decide to stay in the settlement, you can object by May 22, 2023. The Court can only approve or reject the settlement. The detailed notice explains how to exclude yourself or how to object.
Court Hearing
The United States District Court for the Northern District of California will hold a hearing on June 30, 2023, at 9:00 a.m., to consider whether to approve the settlement and a request by the lawyers representing Class Members for attorneys' fees of up to 35% of the settlement fund, reimbursement for up to $45,000 in costs, and a service award of up to $15,000 for the Class Representative, Shawn Clayborne. You can ask to appear at the hearing, but it's not mandatory.
The hearing date may change, so please check www.RefinerySettlement.com for updates.
This settlement represents a significant step in addressing the alleged unpaid wages of Chevron's contractors' employees. If you believe you qualify, taking the necessary steps to ensure you receive your share of the settlement is important. If you're unsure whether you're included in the class, you can get more information, including a detailed notice, by visiting www.RefinerySettlement.com or by calling (844) 798-0758.
Remember, the deadline for contacting the settlement administrator, excluding yourself, or objecting to the settlement is May 22, 2023. Act promptly to protect your rights and secure any benefits you may be entitled to.
Stay tuned for more updates on this and other important legal developments impacting workers' rights and compensation.