City of Springfield $825,000 Labor Class Action Settlement

Individuals who worked as student police officers for the City of Springfield, Massachusetts, between March 24, 2022, and May 10, 2026, may be eligible to claim a cash payment from a class action settlement. The settlement administrator identified approximately 147 eligible class members.

The City of Springfield agreed to pay up to $825,000 to settle a class action lawsuit alleging violations of the Massachusetts Wage Act.

Who are the class members?

Class members are individuals who worked as student police officers employed by the City of Springfield between March 24, 2022, and May 10, 2026.

How much are settlement payments?

The settlement administrator will distribute the net settlement fund on a pro rata basis, meaning each eligible claimant will receive a share based on their individual estimated damages compared to the total estimated damages for all class members.

No action needed to receive compensation

Eligible class members do not need to file a claim or submit documentation to receive payment. The settlement administrator used the City of Springfield’s payroll records to identify class members and their estimated payment amount. The notice class members received included this amount.

Individuals whose address has changed or who believe they are eligible but did not receive a notice should contact the settlement administrator to update their information or inquire about their eligibility.

Settlement administrator’s mailing address: Springfield Police Department Settlement, c/o Optime Administration, P.O. Box 3206, Brockton, MA 02304

Settlement administrator's email address: SPD@OptimeAdmin.com

Settlement administrator's phone number: 844-625-7313

Payout options

The settlement administrator will mail checks to the address on file for each eligible class member. They must cash the checks within 180 days of issuance.

Settlement fund breakdown

The $825,000 settlement fund includes:

• Settlement administration costs: Up to $7,175.25
• Attorneys’ fees: Up to $206,250
• Service award to class representative: Up to $3,500
• Employer and employee payroll taxes: Paid from the settlement fund as required
• Payments to eligible class members: Remainder of the settlement fund

Important dates

• Fairness hearing: Oct. 27, 2026

When is the City of Springfield payout date?

The settlement administrator will issue payments to eligible class members after the court resolves any appeals and grants final approval of the settlement.

Why did this class action settlement happen?

The class actin lawsuit alleged the City of Springfield violated wage-and-hour laws, specifically the Massachusetts Wage Act, by failing to properly pay student police officers.

The city denied any wrongdoing or liability but agreed to settle the case to avoid the expense and uncertainty of continued litigation.

Sources

1. Class notice
2. Settlement agreement