P.F. Chang's $2.65M Excessive Side Work Settlement

If you worked as a server for P.F. Chang's China Bistro, Inc. between November 5, 2016, and the present in certain states, you may be eligible to claim a settlement from a class action settlement.

P.F. Chang's has agreed to pay $2,650,000 to settle a class action lawsuit for allegedly requiring servers to perform excessive side work without proper compensation.

Who are the class members?

The class members include individuals who meet the following criteria:

• Worked as servers for P.F. Chang's China Bistro, Inc.
• Were employed between November 5, 2016, and the present.
• Worked in states such as Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, and Wisconsin.

How much can class members get?

The settlement amount each class member can receive is based on a calculation that considers the date their consent form was filed and the hours worked at a rate below minimum wage. The total settlement fund is $2,650,000, and after deductions for attorneys' fees, litigation costs, and other expenses, the remaining amount will be distributed among eligible class members.

Pro Rata Share: Each class member's share is calculated based on their individual work history and the total number of eligible weeks worked. For example, if a class member worked 100 weeks at a rate below minimum wage, their share would be calculated as a proportion of the total settlement fund after deductions.

How to file a claim

Class members must submit a release of claims form to receive their settlement payment. Claimants can submit their release of claims form online.

Settlement fund breakdown

The settlement fund of $2,650,000 will cover:

• Payments to eligible class members based on their pro rata share.
• Attorneys' fees, which are 33% of the total settlement amount.
• Litigation costs and administration expenses.
• Named Plaintiff Service Payments of $10,000 each for the two lead plaintiffs.

Important dates

• Deadline to File a Release of Claims Form: October 25, 2024

When is the P.F. Chang's Settlement payout date?

Settlement payments will be mailed within seven days after the settlement fund is received by the administrator, which will occur 31 days after the court's final approval or the conclusion of any appeals.

Why is there a class action settlement?

The lawsuit alleged that P.F. Chang's required servers to perform excessive side work that did not generate tips, resulting in a failure to pay minimum wage under federal law. The parties agreed to settle to avoid further litigation and its associated risks and costs.