$3.18M Settlement Reached in AMF Bowling Centers Job Posting Class Action
A significant $3.18 million settlement has been reached regarding job posting practices at AMF Bowling Centers, marking one of the largest settlements in recent employment advertising cases. The settlement addresses allegations that the company's job posting practices potentially violated specific age discrimination laws. This resolution affects thousands of job seekers who interacted with the company's employment advertisements between 2019 and 2023.
The class action lawsuit settlement establishes a framework for compensating affected individuals and implementing changes to future hiring practices. Class members now have several options under the Settlement Agreement, including claiming compensation or excluding themselves from the settlement terms. The resolution also requires AMF Bowling Centers to modify their job advertising methods to ensure compliance with relevant employment laws.
Overview of the AMF Bowling Centers Class Action Lawsuit
The legal proceedings began when Jacob Atkinson filed a class action lawsuit against AMF Bowling Centers and its affiliated companies in King County Superior Court. The case, titled Atkinson v. AMF Bowling Centers, Inc., et al. (Case No. 23-2-19816 6 SEA), alleges violations of Washington state law regarding job posting requirements.
The lawsuit claims that the defendants violated Washington law RCW 49.58.110 by failing to disclose wage scales, salary ranges, and general benefits descriptions in their job postings for open positions. The case encompasses multiple bowling center operations, including AMF Bowlero, Lucky Strike Lanes, and several other affiliated venues throughout Washington state.
The class action represents approximately 1,590 Settlement Class Members, specifically including individuals who applied for positions with the defendants between January 1, 2023, and the preliminary approval date. These applications were for job openings where the postings allegedly lacked required compensation and benefits information.
While the Court has not made any determinations regarding the merits of the claims, the defendants maintain their position, denying any wrongdoing or violation of law. The lawsuit seeks both damages and injunctive relief, with three primary causes of action filed in the original complaint: violation of RCW 49.58.110, injunctive relief, and declaratory relief.
Details of the $3.18 Million Settlement
Under the terms of the settlement agreement, AMF Bowling Centers has committed to establishing a substantial settlement fund ranging from $1.638 million to $3.18 million to resolve the job posting class action. The settlement encompasses approximately 1,590 Settlement Class Members who will be eligible for compensation.
The settlement structure implements a pro-rata distribution system, with participating class members eligible to receive equal shares of the Net Settlement Fund. Individual payments are capped at $5,000 per participant, with any excess amounts being directed to the Legal Foundation of Washington.
The settlement fund operates on a sliding scale based on participation rates:
If participation remains at or below 30% (477 members), the fund will be $1.638 million
For each additional participating member above 30%, the fund increases by $1,384.84 per person
Settlement payments will be classified as statutory damages and interest, with the Settlement Administrator issuing 1099 tax forms to all participating members. Any unclaimed funds from uncashed checks after 120 days will be transferred to Washington State's unclaimed property fund, maintained in the respective class member's name.
To qualify for payment, eligible class members must submit valid claim forms by the specified deadline. The settlement period covers individuals affected from January 1, 2023, through the preliminary approval date. This comprehensive settlement structure ensures fair compensation while maintaining administrative efficiency in the distribution process.
Legal Rights and Options for Class Members
Settlement Class Members have several options available regarding their participation in the job posting class action lawsuit. Those who wish to receive compensation must submit a valid Claim Form, which is the only way to qualify for payment from the settlement fund.
Class members can choose from the following key actions and deadlines:
Submit a Claim Form by November 11, 2024
Request exclusion from the settlement by November 11, 2024
File an objection by November 11, 2024
Attend the Final Approval Hearing on December 16, 2024
To request exclusion, members must submit a written request including their full name, address, and a clear statement of their intention to be excluded from the settlement. Those who exclude themselves retain the right to pursue separate legal action but forfeit any settlement benefits.
Members who wish to object must file a detailed written notice with the Court, including their contact information, specific reasons for objection, and whether they plan to appear at the Final Approval Hearing. Importantly, class members cannot both object and request exclusion from the settlement.
If class members take no action, they will remain in the Settlement Class but forfeit their right to compensation and lose the ability to sue the defendants separately regarding the claims addressed in this lawsuit. Each valid claim submitted will receive an equal share of the settlement fund, with individual payments estimated at a minimum of $1,384 and capped at $5,000.
Important Dates and Next Steps
Critical deadlines have been established for the job posting class action settlement process. Class members must take note of several important dates for participation in the settlement:
Claim Form Submission Deadline: November 11, 2024
Exclusion Request Deadline: November 11, 2024
Objection Filing Deadline: November 11, 2024
Final Approval Hearing: December 16, 2024, at 1:00 p.m.
The Final Approval Hearing will take place at the King County Superior Court, Maleng Regional Justice Center, Courtroom 3C. Following court approval, the Settlement Administrator will initiate the distribution process, with defendants transferring funds within 30 days of the Effective Date. The Administrator will then distribute payments within 14 days of the Funding Date.
Class members should note that all settlement checks will expire 121 days after issuance. To ensure proper payment delivery, class members must notify the Settlement Administrator of any address or phone number changes. The Settlement Administrator will send a supplemental notice via email to remind class members of approaching deadlines if participation remains at or below 30% of the Settlement Class (477 individuals) halfway through the notice period.
Conclusion
The $3.18 million settlement between AMF Bowling Centers and job applicants marks a significant development in employment advertising compliance. This resolution addresses crucial wage transparency requirements under Washington state law while establishing a clear framework for compensating affected individuals. The settlement's sliding scale structure, benefiting up to 1,590 class members, demonstrates a balanced approach between fair compensation and administrative practicality.
Class members now face important decisions regarding their participation rights, with critical deadlines approaching on November 11, 2024. The settlement's potential individual payments, ranging from $1,384 to $5,000, reflect the serious nature of the alleged violations and their impact on job seekers. This resolution sets a notable precedent for wage transparency requirements in job postings while providing meaningful compensation for affected applicants.