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This settlement is closed!
Please see what other class action settlements you might qualify to claim cash from in our Open Settlements directory!
Update 2:
- Top Class Actions readers have reported receiving payments from this settlement.
- Congratulations to everyone who filed a claim and got paid!
Update:
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Final approval was granted for this class action settlement on March 14, 2023.
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Let Top Class Actions know when you receive a check in the comments section below or on our Facebook page.
Sterling Jewelers agreed to pay over $175 million to resolve class action lawsuit claims it discriminated against women working at its stores.
The settlement benefits women employed as part-time sales associates, full-time sales associates, department managers, assistant managers, assistant general managers, store managers or general managers at Belden, Friedlanders, Goodman, Jared, JB Robinson, Kay, LeRoys, LeVian, Marks & Morgan, Osterman, Rogers, Shaws, Weisfield or Ultra Diamonds (after being acquired by Sterling) retail stores.
These class members are part of the Title VII Settlement Class and/or the EPA Settlement Class.
The Title VII Class includes female workers employed by Sterling between July 22, 2004, and May 2, 2018.
The EPA Class includes women who worked for Sterling and submitted forms consenting to join the EPA case in 2016.
Sterling Jewelers is an American company that sells jewelry through a number of subsidiaries including Kay Jewelers, Zales and more. The company is owned by Signet Jewelers.
According to a class action lawsuit, women employed at Sterling Jewelers stores were routinely discriminated against. The company allegedly paid its female workers less than their male counterparts and denied them promotions despite the women being qualified.
Plaintiffs in the class action lawsuit claim that these practices violate Title VII of the Civil Rights Act and the Equal Pay Act.
Sterling Jewelers denies any wrongdoing but agreed to pay $175.37 million to resolve these allegations. Of that amount, $125 million will be used to fund class member payments.
Under the terms of the Sterling Jewelers lawsuit settlement, class members can receive a cash payment based on the number of years they worked for Sterling Jewelers, their position and their class membership.
Members of the Title VII Class will receive payments based on their position. Store managers and general managers will receive $2,996 per year they worked for Sterling. Assistant managers and assistant general managers will receive $1,928 per year. Department managers will receive $1,196 per year. Full-time sales associates will receive $672 per year, and part-time sales associates will receive $270 per year.
Members of the EPA Class will receive similar payments. Store managers and general managers will receive $2,996 per year they worked for Sterling. Assistant managers and assistant general managers will receive $1,361 per year. Department managers will receive $1,152 per year. Full-time sales associates will receive $500 per year, and part-time sales associates will receive $150 per year.
Class members who are part of both classes will receive both types of payments under the settlement.
Twenty-five percent of each payment will be considered income or interest and result in a 1099 tax form. The remaining 75% of each payment will be considered wages and result in a W-2 tax form.
Funds remaining after the first distribution may be used to fund a second round of checks to consumers who cashed their initial checks.
Any funds remaining after that distribution will be donated to a fund promoting diversity, equity and inclusion (25% of remaining funds) and one or more nonprofits that serve the interests of women in the workplace (75% of remaining funds).
As part of the Sterling Jewelers class action lawsuit settlement, the company agreed to retain a third party expert to evaluate its pay and promotion policies for fairness and, if necessary, help the company revise these practices. The company will also offer mentorship programs for women, improve its parental leave policy and develop its workplace complaint investigation practices.
The deadline for exclusion and objection is Sept. 27, 2022.
The final approval hearing for the Sterling Jewelers lawsuit settlement is scheduled for Nov. 15, 2022.
Class members may update their address on the settlement website to ensure they receive payments.
No claim form is required to benefit from the settlement. Class members who do not exclude themselves will automatically receive a settlement payment in the mail.
Who’s Eligible
The settlement benefits women employed as part-time sales associates, full-time sales associates, department managers, assistant managers, assistant general managers, store managers or general managers at Belden, Friedlanders, Goodman, Jared, JB Robinson, Kay, LeRoys, LeVian, Marks & Morgan, Osterman, Rogers, Shaws, Weisfield or Ultra Diamonds (after being acquired by Sterling) retail stores.
Potential Award
Varies
Proof of Purchase
No proof of purchase applicable
Exclusion and Objection Deadline
09/27/2022
Case Name
Jock, et al. V. Sterling Jewelers Inc., Case No. 08 civ. 2875 (s.D.N.Y.), and Case No. 11-16-00655-08 (aaa), before the American Arbitration Association
Final Hearing
11/15/2022
Settlement Website
Claims Administrator
Jock v. Sterling Jewelers Settlement Administrator
P.O. Box 6968
Portland, OR 97228-6968
800-231-1918
Class Counsel
Joseph M. Sellers
Kalpana Kotagal
Harini Srinivasan
COHEN MILSTEIN SELLERS & TOLL PLLC
Sam J Smith
Loren B Donnell
BURR & SMITH LLP
Thomas A Warren
THOMAS A WARREN LAW OFFICES PL
Barry Goldstein
Defense Counsel
Michael L Banks
Sarah E Bouchard
W John Lee
MORGAN LEWIS & BOCKIUS LLP
Jeffrey S Klein
CLARICK GUERON REISBAUM LLP
Celine Chan
WEIL GOTSHAL & MANGES LL
Christina M Janice
BARNES & THORNBURG LLP
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100 thoughts onSterling Jewelers discrimination $175M class action lawsuit settlement
My husband was diagnosed with terminal cancer and I was stepped down to sales from assistant manager then told I have to work in another store which was further away from my home. Then was told if I didn’t take the store they would accept that as my resignation. A year later my husband passed away at age 54 years of age. Very stressful time of my life.
I was let go because I was pregnant
I was fired when I was on maternity leave because I didn’t submit short term disability forms on time. My water broke at 28 weeks and my son was born at 30 weeks. Sorry I didn’t foresee this and give them paperwork on time.
I’ve been waiting for years to receive my settlement money from Sterling. I’m almost 67 years old, at this rate I’ll be dead before I ever see my money that is owed me!!!
Has anyone heard when the district court date is to approve the amount? I’m a bit confused. It says it was agreed upon on November 15th. Here we are almost two months later and still don’t have a court date for a judge to approve it. It’s been 30 days, no objections. Unless it’s 30 days from the last district court date that we don’t have yet. Basically I want to know when to expect our deserved payout. I hope it doesn’t take another 15 years.
Wondering the exact same, and nobody seems to have any updates or information.
I been checking daily myself .. it’s been over 30 days … I wish they would let us know when we should be getting checks
I know they said 30 business day plus additional 10 days. But it’s pass this as of January 18. If any one gets the check in mail could u updated all of us. So we can look for it in mail. Thank u
Unfortunately it has to still go through the district court to confirm the final award which there is no time frame for. Hopefully it happens quickly but I read it can be up to 3 years…
This is ridiculous
Why then does it say they have up to 30.days? Someone has to have some.info for us
They have up to 30 days after the district court confirms it, which has no timeframe unfortunately. It could be quickly but they have up to 3 years to confirm. I called in and inquired and was told this.
I was definitely harassed as a manager in training and a manager for years.
This went on long before this time frame. I was denied getting any sales when I was in training. The store manager wanted me to service him or I wouldn’t be able to wait on customers. When I complained to my DM they just moved me. Why ? Because he was making his ##. So untouchable. About a year after I got my own store they did a mass firing of all the managers in my district except two. And promoted all the assistants. I was fired because I had car problems and was on the side of the road during an event. I called the store and an employee picked me up. Because I was 5 minutes late and had a fellow employee pick me up. I was fired. Absolutely horrible company to work for. Family corp ?!?! My ass. Welp no pay out for me because was those years. This has been going on for decades. 😡
Our manager would always take half of your sales so he would get half of the commission to. He said it was his store and no one gets a big sale bye their self. Everyone has to turn over to him but only at check out.
Not surprised at all.
That happened at the same store I was at.
it seems to me, that if I were full time, I should get the larger amount because I was not promoted, but the women who were promoted to general managers and such get more???
I think the reason is because those of us that were promoted were paid less than the male managers doing the same work
Awful company to work for. The level of stress was ridicilous- constantly putting pressure on customers. An odd group to work with. Employees was a revolving door cut throat. Glad to not be there.. Will never shop there . use you and discard folks like trash.
Any details on when the checks are actually being distributed?
No sadly. I’ve tried to call a couple times but can’t get through to anyone.
I agree…. Will not step foot in there
I’m so sorry that happened to you!!
Worked like a dog from 2008-2015 till I was fired for going through poverty and avoiding homelessness I had to move several times. Was offered a demotion to save my job but had to commute 45minutes with a pay cut. I loved my job! Was it fair? NO not at all! It’s a shame too because I went back seasonal a few years later after they fired me and nothing had changed!! But, I was rehirable because “6 for 6”. Pay me! You ruined my life!