Graphic Packaging International BIPA $998K class action settlement

Graphic Packaging International agreed to pay more than $997,000 to resolve a class action lawsuit claiming it violated Illinois biometric information privacy laws by making employees use hand-scan time clocks.

The settlement benefits individuals who used a Hand Punch 4000 terminal at Graphic Packaging’s Centralia, Illinois, facility between June 29, 2016, and Sept. 1, 2021.

According to the class action lawsuit, Graphic Packaging International violated the Illinois Biometric Information Privacy Act (BIPA) by using hand-scan time clock terminals at its Illinois facility but failing to obtain written consent before collecting employees’ hand scans and failing to implement and adhere to a written policy for the destruction of such data. Although biometric timekeeping devices are not inherently illegal, BIPA requires businesses to follow strict regulations regarding consent and other policies regarding the collection and storage of sensitive biometric information. 

Graphic Packaging International is a food packaging manufacturer with more than 130 facilities worldwide, including one in Centralia, Illinois.

Graphic Packaging International hasn’t admitted wrongdoing but agreed to pay $997,808.22 to resolve the BIPA class action lawsuit.

Under the settlement terms, class members can receive a cash payment estimated to be around $1,000, as long as their last known address can be determined. 

Any residual settlement funds may be used for a second distribution that will result in pro rata payments to each class member who cashed their first check. Any second distribution will be at least $5.

The deadline for exclusion and objection is April 22, 2024.

The final approval hearing for the settlement is scheduled for June 11, 2024.

No claim form is required to benefit from the settlement. Class members can update their address on the settlement website to ensure they receive their automatic payment to the correct mailing address.

Who’s Eligible

Individuals who used a Hand Punch 4000 terminal at Graphic Packaging’s Centralia, Illinois, facility between June 29, 2016, and Sept. 1, 2021

Potential Award

$1,000

Proof of Purchase

N/A

Update Address Form

NOTE: If you do not qualify for this settlement do NOT file a claim.

Remember: you are submitting your claim under penalty of perjury. You are also harming other eligible Class Members by submitting a fraudulent claim. If you’re unsure if you qualify, please read the FAQ section of the Settlement Administrator’s website to ensure you meet all standards (Top Class Actions is not a Settlement Administrator). If you don’t qualify for this settlement, check out our database of other open class action settlements you may be eligible for.

Exclusion Deadline

04/22/2024

Case Name

Roberts v. Graphic Packaging International LLC, Case No. 3:21-cv-00750, in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Illinois

Final Hearing

06/11/2024

Settlement Website

GPIBIPASettlement.com

Claims Administrator

Roberts v Graphic Packaging International LLC
c/o Settlement Administrator
PO Box 23698
Jacksonville, FL 32241
866-726-1092

Class Counsel

Keith J Keogh
Gregg M Barbakoff
KEOGH LAW LTD

Defense Counsel

Jessica D Causgrove
FISHER & PHILLIPS LLP