Tomorrow is the deadline for Wendy's Franchise owners to get a piece of Wendy's class action settlement. Imagine going to work at your local Wendy's, clocking in by placing your finger on a scanner, only to later discover that your fingerprint data was collected without your permission. Well, that's exactly what happened to some employees at Wenzak Heartland, a Wendy's franchise owner in Illinois.
The following are important dates that will affect your rights:
- Deadline to Submit a Claim: June 20, 2023
- Deadline to Exclude Yourself From the Settlement: June 20, 2023
- Deadline to Object to the Settlement: June 20, 2023
- Final Approval Hearing: July 17, 2023
How to File a Claim
NOTE: If you do not qualify for this settlement do NOT file a claim. You are filing under penalty of perjury.
The company was accused of violating Illinois' Biometric Information Privacy Act (BIPA) by failing to obtain written consent from employees before gathering their biometric information for timekeeping purposes. Not cool, right?
Fortunately, justice seems to be prevailing. Wenzak Heartland has agreed to pay a substantial $1.9 million to address these claims.
Who is Eligible to File a Claim:
This settlement includes all individuals who worked or are currently working for Wenzak Heartland, Inc., Wenzak, Inc., Wenzak QSC Management, Inc., and/or Wenzak Chicago Southland, Inc. in the State of Illinois who enrolled in and/or used a body-part scanning device (e.g., a finger or hand scanning device) while working for these entities within the five-year period preceding the date of the filing of the Litigation. There are approximately 3,149 people who fall within the class definition.
Make sure you share this with anyone you know who may have been affected.
The Big Payday: Who's Getting a Piece of the $1.9M Pie?
Now, let's talk about who will benefit from this big payday. If you have worked at Wenzak and used a finger or hand scanning device in Illinois within the past five years, you may be eligible for a portion of the settlement. The exact amount each individual might receive is unclear, but it is stated that class members will receive an equal share of the settlement.
The best part? You don't need to provide any proof of purchase to make your claim. So, that's one less thing to worry about!
Time's Ticking: How to Stake Your Claim Before It's Too Late
Time is of the essence. If you qualify for the settlement, it's crucial to submit a valid claim form before the deadline on June 20, 2023. Trust me, you don't want to miss it. The final approval hearing for the settlement is scheduled for July 17, 2023.
Questions About the Settlement?
If you have questions about the settlement, please contact us directly:
By Mail:
Wenzak BIPA Settlement
c/o Analytics Consulting LLC
P.O. Box 2006
Chanhassen MN 55317-2006
By E-Mail:
By Phone:
888-461-4547
If you meet the eligibility criteria, don't waste any time! Your fingerprint scan at work could turn out to be a valuable asset.
The Bottom Line: Protecting Employee Privacy is Non-Negotiable
This case serves as a reminder that safeguarding employee privacy is non-negotiable. While Wenzak Heartland hasn't admitted any wrongdoing, the substantial settlement sends a clear message to companies to respect and protect employee privacy. Whether it's fingerprints, voiceprints, or facial scans, biometric data is personal and sensitive. Respecting privacy is not just a matter of compliance; it's about showing respect for individuals.
Remember, if you believe you are eligible for a part of this settlement, it's always a good idea to consult with a legal expert. The information provided here is for general purposes only and should not be considered legal advice.
