Pret A Manger $1.2M New York Wage and Hour Settlement

Individuals who worked as nonexempt employees for Pret A Manger in New York state or New York City between Feb. 15, 2019, and Feb. 1, 2024, may be eligible to claim a cash payment from a class action settlement.

Pret A Manger (USA) Ltd. agreed to pay up to $1.2 million to settle a class action lawsuit alleging violations of New York wage-and-hour laws, including claims for unpaid straight time, overtime, spread-of-hours pay, uniform maintenance pay and shift change premiums.

Who is eligible to file a claim?

The class includes individuals who worked as nonexempt employees for Pret A Manger in New York during specific periods. The settlement divides the class into two overlapping groups:

• NYLL class members: All nonexempt employees who worked in Pret A Manger stores in New York state at any time between Feb. 15, 2019, and Feb. 1, 2024
• NYCFW class members: All nonexempt employees who worked in Pret A Manger stores in New York City at any time between July 22, 2021, and Feb. 1, 2024

Some individuals may qualify for both groups if they worked in both New York state and New York City during the relevant periods. The settlement administrator used Pret A Manger’s employment records to identify eligible class members. Those who received a notice about the settlement are likely included in the class.

How much can eligible class members receive?

The total settlement fund is $1,200,000, but the settlement administrator will use it to pay attorneys' fees, service awards, administration costs and a reserve fund for errors and omissions.

It will then distribute the remaining amount to eligible class members based on the number of qualifying weeks they worked during the relevant period compared to the number of qualifying weeks all class members worked.

NYLL class members will receive 80% of the fund, and NYCFW class members will receive 20% of the fund.

If the total amount of the settlement inclusive of all claims filed, plaintiffs' counsel's attorneys' fees and costs, service awards and claims administration fees exceeds $780,000, the settlement administrator will reduce the amounts paid to participating claimants on a pro rata basis so the funds do not exceed $780,000.

How to claim a class action rebate

Class members must submit a completed claim form and IRS Form W-9 by mail. There is currently no option to file a claim online and no downloadable PDF claim form. Class members should have received their forms with their notice. Those who did not receive a claim form should contact the settlement administrator.

Settlement administrator's mailing address: Figueroa v. Pret Settlement, c/o Settlement Claims Administrator, P.O. Box 26170 Santa Ana, CA 92799

Class members who receive notice that their claim form is incomplete should follow the instructions to correct the errors and resubmit the form within 20 days.

Payout options

The settlement administrator will mail checks to the address provided on the claim form. Class members must cash checks within 180 days of issuance or they will be void.

$1.2 million settlement fund breakdown

The $1,200,000 settlement fund covers:

• Settlement administration costs: To be determined
• Attorneys’ fees: Up to $400,000
• Attorneys’ expenses: $7,073
• Service awards to class representatives: $10,000 total
• Reserve fund: $5,000 for errors and omissions (unused amounts revert to Pret A Manger)
• Payments to eligible class members: Remainder of the fund

Important dates

• Opt-out deadline: Jan. 2, 2026
• Deadline to file a claim: Jan. 2, 2026

When is the Figueroa v. Pret A Manger settlement payout date?

The settlement administrator will mail payments approximately 30 days after the court grants final approval to the settlement and all appeal periods have expired.

Why did this class action settlement happen?

The class action lawsuit alleged Pret A Manger failed to pay all wages owed under New York law, including straight pay, overtime, spread-of-hours pay, uniform maintenance pay and shift change premiums.

Pret A Manger denies any wrongdoing but agreed to settle the case to avoid the expense and uncertainty of litigation. Both sides agreed that the settlement is fair and reasonable.

Sources

1. Settlement FAQ
2. Settlement agreement