The Court has approved a plaintiff’s motion in a settlement case concerning Carle Foundation Hospital, collectively valued at over $10 million.

Jacqueline Pierro, a former employee of Carle, lodged a complaint against the hospital on May 23, 2023, alleging violations of the Fair Labor Standards Act, Illinois Minimum Wage Law, and Illinois Wage Payment and Collection Act. Pierro asserted, on behalf of herself and others in similar circumstances, that the hospital improperly adjusted hourly employees’ clock in and out times, among other allegations.

Carle Hospital has contested any allegations of liability or misconduct linked to the lawsuit’s claims. Nonetheless, a settlement between Pierro and the hospital has been reached and preliminarily sanctioned by the Court. Those eligible might have received notification about participating in the settlement.

Under this settlement, the total amount of money available to be paid to Class and Collective Members is $10,450,367.67. Additionally, individual settlement amounts are based on the number of weeks an hourly employee worked during the Illinois Class Period of May 25, 2013, to Jan. 25, 2025.

Those eligible for benefits can multiply their total workweeks by $1.93691058 to understand their estimated settlement payment before taxes. Fifty percent of the settlement class members’ payment will be subject to deductions for applicable taxes and withholdings related to the payment of wages. For a full breakdown of the settlement, click here.

Even though a settlement was preliminarily approved in June, a hearing to determine whether the settlement should be officially approved will be held before the Court on Sept. 19, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. This hearing will take place at the United States District Court for the Central District of Illinois, Courtroom A in Urbana.

The Public Relations Manager for Carle Health, Brittany Simon, provided WCIA a statement addressing the latest updates regarding the settlement reached between the two parties:

I can share that Carle Health takes great care to ensure its timekeeping policy and practices are compliant with legal standards. Upon learning of concerns related to our previous timekeeping rounding policy, we promptly took steps to update our practices to provide even greater clarity regarding time worked. In collaboration with plaintiffs’ counsel, Carle Health has reached a settlement, which affects hourly employees employed between May 25, 2013, and January 25, 2025, regardless of the impact the rounding timekeeping practice may have had on them. This resolution was made in the best interests of our team members and our patients. Carle Health has a deep culture of caring for its team members and remains dedicated to supporting staff and fostering exceptional patient care.

Brittany Simon, Public Relations Manager at Carle Health