Legal News

New settlement possibilities for Dole workers

By Richard Binder

After over 20 years, constant litigation may finally have lost its appeal for Dole.

According to The Los Angeles Business Journal, attorneys for the produce giant have filed a request in Los Angeles Superior Court asking that nearly 1,500 Honduran farm workers who are suing Dole be allowed to drop out of those suits and settle their claims out of court under an existing program arranged by the company and Honduran government officials.

Not only would Dole be able to shed some expensive litigation, but the workers could see some money a lot faster than waiting for the uncertain outcomes of cases, according to the company.  Plus, the program could serve as a model to help the company settle with plaintiffs from other countries.

The company developed this plan in 2006, called the Honduran Worker Program. Originally, workers who were suing Dole weren't permitted to participate, but now the company is asking permission from the court to allow those workers. In exchange for a settlement amount, the workers would surrender their rights to sue.

Some plaintiffs' attorneys, naturally, are suspicious.  Click the above link for more.

Full post as published by Legal Pad | LA on June 01, 2010 (boomark / email).