OBI & Ocean Beauty Seafoods $2.1 Million Wages Settlement

If you worked as a fish processor for OBI Seafoods or Ocean Beauty Seafoods after May 2019, you may be eligible to claim a portion of $2,100,000 from a class action settlement.

OBI Seafoods LLC has agreed to settle a class action lawsuit for alleged violations of Alaska state wage and hour laws, including underpayment during mandatory COVID-19 quarantine and delayed wage payments.

You are a class member if:

• You were hired as a fish processor by OBI Seafoods LLC or Ocean Beauty Seafoods LLC
• You spent time in mandatory COVID-19 quarantine after December 2019
• You were paid less frequently than every two weeks after May 2019

The settlement provides a total of $2,100,000 to be distributed among class members. The exact amount each member will receive depends on the damages calculations made by the plaintiffs' damages expert. The settlement fund will be divided as follows:

• Settlement Fund: $2,100,000
• Attorneys' Fees: $630,000
• Litigation Costs: $100,000
• Service Awards: Up to $10,000 for each of the plaintiffs

The remaining amount will be distributed to participating class members. Payments will be calculated based on the time spent in quarantine and the frequency of wage payments.

Class members do not need to take any action to receive their settlement payment. Payments will be automatically distributed to eligible members. If you prefer to receive your payment electronically, you can complete the payment election form available on the official settlement website.

Class members can choose to receive their payment via:

• Electronic transfer
• Check

The settlement fund of $2,100,000 will cover various costs and payments:

• Settlement Fund: $2,100,000
• Attorneys' Fees: $630,000
• Litigation Costs: $100,000
• Service Awards: Up to $10,000 for each of the plaintiffs

The remaining funds will be distributed to class members based on the damages calculations.

Payments are expected to be distributed within 90 days of the Court's approval of the settlement, provided there are no appeals.

The class action lawsuit was filed due to alleged violations of Alaska state wage and hour laws. Plaintiffs claimed that OBI Seafoods LLC and Ocean Beauty Seafoods LLC failed to pay minimum wage during mandatory quarantine and delayed wage payments. The settlement allows both parties to avoid the cost and risk of a trial.

The Court will hold a Fairness Hearing on December 3, 2024, to decide whether to approve the settlement. If approved, payments will be distributed to class members within 90 days, unless there are appeals.