Target Settles NJ Warehouse Pay Claims Over Off-the-Clock Work

Core Points - Target has agreed to pay $4.6 million to resolve a class action lawsuit regarding unpaid wages for employees at its New Jersey distribution centers [1] - The lawsuit claims that Target failed to compensate employees for time spent on mandatory security screenings and walking to and from their workstations [2][3] - Approximately 13,700 current and former employees are expected to qualify for the settlement [1] Legal Context - The class action suit was filed by Krystal Sadler in November 2022, alleging violations of New Jersey wage and hour laws [3] - The lawsuit highlights that "hours worked" under New Jersey law includes time required for mandatory screenings and walking to workstations, which should be compensated [4] - Target denied the allegations but opted to settle to avoid the risks of an uncertain outcome [4] Settlement Details - Of the $4.6 million settlement, $2.75 million will be allocated to a net settlement fund for eligible class members, $1.53 million for attorneys' fees, and $10,000 directly for Sadler [5] - No claim form is required for former employees to receive benefits, and class members will automatically receive settlement benefits unless they opt out [5] - A final approval hearing for the settlement is scheduled for February 24 in a Camden, N.J. federal court [4]