Case: Bell v. Woodward Governor Co.; EEOC v. Woodward Governor

3:03-cv-50190 | U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois

Filed Date: May 8, 2003

Closed Date: 2010

Clearinghouse coding complete

Case Summary

On May 8, 2003, a class action complaint was filed in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois under 42 U.S.C. § 1981 and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, 42 U.S.C. § 2000e against Defendant Woodward Governor Company, an electronics manufacturer. Plaintiffs, represented by private counsel, claimed that the company engaged in unlawful employment practices on the basis of race and maintained a general corporate policy of discrimination against minorities i…

On May 8, 2003, a class action complaint was filed in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois under 42 U.S.C. § 1981 and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, 42 U.S.C. § 2000e against Defendant Woodward Governor Company, an electronics manufacturer. Plaintiffs, represented by private counsel, claimed that the company engaged in unlawful employment practices on the basis of race and maintained a general corporate policy of discrimination against minorities in employment. The class plaintiffs consisted of all African American, Hispanic, and other minorities in two of the company's facilities during the applicable time period; they sought injunctive, declaratory, and monetary relief.

More specifically, Plaintiffs argued that less than 3% of Defendant's employees were African American, which is a lower proportion when compared to the population in the area as well as to that of other similar employers in the region. Further, those minorities who were employed were subjected to lower wages, denied promotions, denied training, retaliation for complaining, and a generally hostile work environment filled with racial slurs and stereotypes.

A lengthy discovery battle ensued, beginning around September of 2003 and lasting until the case was resolved in 2006. Plaintiffs' complaint was amended on December 5, 2003, and again on April 26, 2004. The second amended complaint alleged additional claims of gender discrimination against Defendant under Title VII and the Equal Pay Act.

On January 3, 2005, the District Court (Judge Philip Godfrey Reinhard) certified two Plaintiff classes. The first was a "compensation class" consisting of all African American, Hispanic, and Asian employees employed by Defendant during the applicable time period. The second was an "advancement class" consisting of all African American, Hispanic, and Asian employees passed over for unposted promotions during the applicable period.

Subsequently, because these same classes of employees had simultaneously filed a complaint with the EEOC, the EEOC submitted a complaint in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois on October 4, 2006. The complaint alleged the same unlawful employment practices, and also sought injunctive, declaratory, and monetary relief.

After years of negotiation, the parties finally came to a settlement, which was approved by the District Court (Judge Reinhard) on October 5, 2006. The decree consolidated the initial case and the EEOC case and dismissed all claims. Further, the Plaintiff classes were re-categorized. The first class, the "Minority Class," consisted of all African American, Hispanic, and Asian employees and former employees of Defendant who worked at either of the facilities during the applicable time period. The second class was a "Gender Class," consisting of female employees or former employees meeting those same criteria.

The relief granted by the decree was extensive. First, it generally enjoined the Defendants from engaging in any discriminatory policies, practices, or retaliation as barred by Title VII. Further, a settlement fund of $4.8 million (accruing interest for a total of $5 million) for the potential class claimants was established. $2.4 million was to be allocated to the Minority Class and $2.6 million was reserved for the Gender Class. The decree additionally required Defendant to establish a discrimination complaint procedure, as well as to provide mandatory discrimination training for all of its employees and managers. The decree also assigned an industrial psychologist to conduct a thorough analysis of all of the Defendant's job positions. The psychologist was then to establish job descriptions and minimum criteria for each position, followed by a performance review system and compensation review process. Through this system, each employee was to be re-classified and put into an appropriate position. A special master was assigned to enforce the decree, and it was to remain in effect for a period of three and a half years.

The decree, however, did not end the litigation; there have been multiple motions and orders concerning the minutia of enforcing the decree. However, on February 17, 2010 the District Court (Judge Reinhard) determined that the terms of the consent decree had been met, and the case was closed.

Summary Authors

Adam Teitelbaum (3/27/2010)

People

For PACER's information on parties and their attorneys, see: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/5319713/parties/bell-v-woodward-gov-co/


Judge(s)
Attorney for Plaintiff

Adams, Raechel L. (Illinois)

Allison, Robert D. (Illinois)

Altmeyer, Helen Campbell (Illinois)

Amedee, Roy F. (Illinois)

Anderson, Austin W. (Illinois)

Attorney for Defendant
Expert/Monitor/Master/Other
Attorney for Plaintiff

Adams, Raechel L. (Illinois)

Allison, Robert D. (Illinois)

Altmeyer, Helen Campbell (Illinois)

Amedee, Roy F. (Illinois)

Anderson, Austin W. (Illinois)

Anderson, Suzanne M (Illinois)

Andrew, Regina Maria (Illinois)

Arellano, Victor M (Illinois)

Arendes, Jennifer L. (Illinois)

Attorney, Prim F. (Illinois)

Averbuck, Clayton C (Illinois)

Awad, Wasan (Illinois)

Azar, Franklin D (Illinois)

Backhaus, William C (Illinois)

Bannon, Jeffrey C (Illinois)

Baran, Andrea G. (Illinois)

Batog, Konrad (Illinois)

Bean, Julie Steptoe (Illinois)

Becnel, Daniel E. (Illinois)

Belz, Timothy (Illinois)

Block, Sarah Michelle (Illinois)

Bograd, Louis M (Illinois)

Boss, Allan John (Illinois)

Bradtke, James G. (Illinois)

Browne, Garrett W. (Illinois)

Bruno, Joseph M (Illinois)

Burstein, Jeffrey Charles (Illinois)

Caiola, Michelle Anne (Illinois)

Call, Gary L. (Illinois)

Canino, Robert A (Illinois)

Carrillo, Gina E (Illinois)

Chandy, Sunu P. (Illinois)

Che, May R (Illinois)

Cheung, Raymond T. (Illinois)

Cholakian, Kevin K. (Illinois)

Cohen, Ethan M (Illinois)

Cole, Holly Waldron (Illinois)

Coleman, Lee L. (Illinois)

Combs, Cathleen M (Illinois)

Costas, Toby W (Illinois)

Cox, Lisa Ann (Illinois)

Crook, Debra Hawes (Illinois)

Cunard, Rebecca A. (Illinois)

Curtin, Nora Ellen (Illinois)

Deck, Dayna F. (Illinois)

Denig, Jessica A (Illinois)

DiGiorgio, G. Richard (Illinois)

Dreiband, Eric S (Illinois)

Dubey, Devika S (Illinois)

Dumas, Walter C. (Illinois)

Dunn, Lindsay Marie (Illinois)

Earle, Peter (Wisconsin)

Edelman, Daniel A (Illinois)

Elkin, Laurie S (Illinois)

Esq., Theresa M. (Illinois)

Farrell, Michael J (Illinois)

Fayard, Calvin Clifford (Illinois)

Feldman, Laura R (Illinois)

Finn, Brian J. (Illinois)

Fiorito, Bradley S. (Illinois)

Fischer, Kurt S (Illinois)

Flores, Carmen (Illinois)

Ford, Angela M. (Illinois)

Foslid, Kristen Marie (Illinois)

Fox, Edward M. (Illinois)

Fox, Rosemary J (Illinois)

Gochanour, Gregory M. (Illinois)

Graziano, Louis (Illinois)

Grossman, Elizabeth (Illinois)

Gruenwald, Eric William (Illinois)

Guerrier, Charles E. (Illinois)

Gusewelle, Anne E. (Illinois)

Gysler, Jennifer E (Illinois)

Hamilton, Deborah L (Illinois)

Healy, Teri L. (Illinois)

Hendrickson, John C. (Illinois)

Henry, Ann M. (Illinois)

Hobson, William R (Illinois)

Holman, Patrick J (Illinois)

Imdieke, Michael H. (Illinois)

Isenhart, Jessi D. (Illinois)

Johnson, Al W. (Illinois)

Johnson, Michael K. (Illinois)

Jones, Anica C. (Illinois)

Josephson, Michael A (Illinois)

Jr, Rodney P (Illinois)

Kamp, Jean P (Illinois)

Kane, Deborah A. (Illinois)

Karsh, Joshua (Illinois)

Kemp, Patrick M. (Illinois)

Kennedy, Melvin D. (Illinois)

Kinne, Paul A. (Illinois)

Kittle, Rita Byrnes (Illinois)

Klaassen, Mark A (Illinois)

Kobelt, Kurt C (Illinois)

Koon, David K. (Illinois)

Krivonyak, J. Christopher (Illinois)

Lambert, Kelly K. (Illinois)

Laura, Peter F. (Illinois)

Lawrence, Debra M. (Illinois)

Lee, Damien Anthony (Illinois)

Lee, Jeff A (Illinois)

Lee, Jeffrey A. (Illinois)

Lee, James L. (District of Columbia)

Lester, Patric A. (Illinois)

Lewis, Muslima (Illinois)

Li, Derek W (Illinois)

Liem, Connie (Illinois)

Lipschultz, David Steven (Illinois)

Lloyd, Russell Thomas (Illinois)

LoPalo, Christopher R. (Illinois)

Lopez, P David (Illinois)

Lucero, A.Luis Lucero (Illinois)

Mallik, Amrita (Illinois)

Malloy, Margaret Ann (Illinois)

Martin, C Levi (Illinois)

Martinez, Ana Consuelo (Illinois)

Maxion, Sanya Hill (Illinois)

McBride, Dennis R (Illinois)

McCoy-Cruz, Kimberly A. (Illinois)

McGlothlin, Lauren B. (Illinois)

Milam, Joshua C. (Illinois)

Miller, Gerald L (Illinois)

Miltenberger, Chris R. (Illinois)

Moench, William E (Illinois)

Monahan, Camille A (Illinois)

Montgomery, Alex R. (Illinois)

Mostyn, J Steve (Illinois)

Murray, Steven Lee (Illinois)

Naccarato, Elizabeth A (Illinois)

Neary, Kathleen M. (Illinois)

Northrup, Kate (Illinois)

O'Brien, Michael J. (Illinois)

Olson, Kathryn Blaire (Illinois)

O'Neill, Mary Jo (Illinois)

Oppenheim, Harriett F (Illinois)

Orr, Charles G (Illinois)

Palmer-Denig, Jessica Ann (Illinois)

Park, Anna (Illinois)

Parker, Russell P (Illinois)

Patterson, Franklin D. (Illinois)

Pearson, Gina Elaine (Illinois)

Peck, Jonathan T (Illinois)

Pepich, Steven Wayne (Illinois)

Peral, Cesar J (Illinois)

Peters, Kirsten Jennifer (Illinois)

Peterson, Melanie M. (Illinois)

Phebus, Douglas J (Illinois)

Phillips, Ronald L. (Illinois)

Piers, Matthew J. (Illinois)

Pladson, Nicholas J (Illinois)

Pohl, Anna Marie (Illinois)

Powell, Molly P. (Illinois)

Ramsey, William T. (Illinois)

Ranis, Michael Bruce (Illinois)

Ratliff, Sean (Illinois)

Reams, Gwendolyn Young (District of Columbia)

Rivera, Jadhira Virginia (Illinois)

Roberts, Monique Joy (Illinois)

Robertson, Michelle M (Illinois)

Rose, Robert David (Illinois)

Rucker, Marsha Lynn (Illinois)

Ryals, Stephen M. (Illinois)

Samson, Kendra Elizabeth (Illinois)

Sanders, Jeffrey M. (Illinois)

Santos, Adela P. (Illinois)

Scalia, David S. (Illinois)

Schneck, Steven Paul (Illinois)

Schnitzel, Andrew Marten (Illinois)

Seely, Barbara A (Illinois)

Seliger, Stephen G (Illinois)

Sexton, Richard I (Illinois)

Shinbaum, Richard D. (Illinois)

Sibley, William Hugh (Illinois)

Sirkin, Lisa (Illinois)

Smason, Diane I (Illinois)

Smith, C Emanuel (Illinois)

Soule, Jennifer (Illinois)

Soule, Thomas E (Illinois)

Stanley, John F. (Illinois)

Statkus, Carol A (Illinois)

Steele, Roberta (Illinois)

Stewart, Ronald S (Illinois)

Stith, Rebecca S. (Illinois)

Struble, Stephanie (Illinois)

Szromba, Jeanne Bowman (Illinois)

Tamayo, William R. (Illinois)

Tetzlaff, Karl R. (Illinois)

Thomas, Gillian Lathrop (Illinois)

Thomas, J. Nelson (Illinois)

Tomlinson, Robert F (Illinois)

Trigsted, Joshua (Illinois)

Tyndall, Brian C (Illinois)

Valderrama, Hillary K (Illinois)

Vance, Carrie Noelle (Illinois)

Varma, Maneesh (Illinois)

Vasichek, Laurie A (Illinois)

Vuong, Rumduol Kim (Illinois)

Wade, Heather H. (Illinois)

Wall, Robert G (Illinois)

Weisberg, Robert E. (Illinois)

Welsh, Blaine T (Illinois)

Whitehead, Jamal N (Illinois)

Whitfield, Thomas E. (Illinois)

Wong, Kam Sau (Illinois)

Wright, Richard A. (Illinois)

Documents in the Clearinghouse

Documents in this case

3:06-cv-50178

Docket

EEOC v. Woodward

Feb. 12, 2007

Feb. 12, 2007

Docket

3:03-cv-50190

Docket [PACER]

Bell v. Woodward Governor Co.

Feb. 10, 2009

Feb. 10, 2009

Docket
1

3:03-cv-50190

Class Action Complaint

Bell v. Woodward Governor Co.

May 8, 2003

May 8, 2003

Complaint
101

3:03-cv-50190

Second Amended Class Action Complaint

Bell v. Woodward Governor Company

April 26, 2004

April 26, 2004

Complaint
217

3:03-cv-50190

Memorandum Opinion and Order (granting class certification)

Bell v. Woodward Governor

Jan. 3, 2005

Jan. 3, 2005

Order/Opinion
1

3:06-cv-50178

Complaint

EEOC v. Woodward Governor Company

Oct. 4, 2006

Oct. 4, 2006

Complaint
617

3:03-cv-50190

3:06-cv-50178

Consent Decree

Bell v. Woodward Governor Co.; EEOC v. Woodward Governor Co.

Oct. 5, 2006

Oct. 5, 2006

Settlement Agreement

Docket

See docket on RECAP: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/5319713/bell-v-woodward-gov-co/

Last updated April 6, 2025, 4:09 p.m.

Docket for: Bell v. Woodward Gov Co
ECF Number Date Description Link
May 8, 2003

RECEIPT regarding payment of filing fee paid; on 5/8/03 in the amount of $ 150.00, receipt # 511. (clb) (Entered: 05/15/2003)

PACER
May 8, 2003

THIS matter is referred to the Hon. P. Michael Mahoney pursuant to Internal Operating Procedure 11(d). (clb) (Entered: 05/15/2003)

PACER
1 May 8, 2003

COMPLAINT; jury demand - Civil cover sheet - Appearance(s) of Kelly K. Lambert, James Gerard Bradtke, Jennifer Kay Soule as attorney(s) for plaintiff Demetric Bell, plaintiff Marilyn Berry, plaintiff Catherine Brown, plaintiff Kimberly Buchanan, plaintiff Gilberto Gonzalez, plaintiff Timmy Link, plaintiff Eddie Manning Jr, plaintiff Kim Nachampassack, plaintiff Duane Parks, plaintiff Brenda Riley, plaintiff Darnel Royal, plaintiff Robin Sallis, plaintiff Velma Sanders, plaintiff Barbara - Smith, plaintiff Tony Triplett, plaintiff Janet Wilkins ( 1 summons(es) issued.) ( Documents: 1-1 through 1-3) (clb) (Entered: 05/15/2003)

Clearinghouse
May 29, 2003

SCHEDULE set on 5/29/03 by Hon. P. Michael Mahoney : Status hearing set to 1:30 6/20/03. Plaintiff is directed to notify any party filing an appearance subsequent to the entry of this order of the status hearing. Mailed notice (glg) (Entered: 05/29/2003)

PACER
June 20, 2003

SCHEDULE set on 6/20/03 by Hon. P. Michael Mahoney : Status hearing held. Parties to hold FRCP 26(f) conference. Case management order to be submitted on 7/22/03 . Initial Pretrial conference set to 1:30 7/23/03 No notice (glg) (Entered: 06/20/2003)

PACER
2 June 20, 2003

APPLICATION for leave to appear pro hac vice for defendant by Michele K McKellar; Order entered granting leave by Hon. P. Michael Mahoney (fce) (Entered: 06/27/2003)

RECAP
3 June 26, 2003

MINUTE ORDER of 6/26/03 by Hon. P. Michael Mahoney: Defendant's motion for Michele McKellar to appear pro hac vice is granted. Mailed notice (fce) (Entered: 06/27/2003)

RECAP
4 July 14, 2003

ANSWER by defendant to class action complaint [1-1]. (fce) (Entered: 07/14/2003)

RECAP
5 July 18, 2003

MOTION by plaintiffs for leave, to add appearances of additional counsel ; Notice. (fce) (Entered: 07/18/2003)

RECAP
6 July 22, 2003

PARTIES' proposed case management order by plaintiff, defendant (fce) (Entered: 07/22/2003)

RECAP
7 July 23, 2003

ATTORNEY APPEARANCE for defendant by Michael W. Duffee, Michele K. McKellar, Robert E. Reuterfors. (fce) (Entered: 07/24/2003)

RECAP
8 July 23, 2003

MINUTE ORDER of 7/23/03 by Hon. P. Michael Mahoney: Initial pretrial conference held. Plaintiffs' motion for leave [5-1], to file additional appearances is granted [5-2]. Case management order approved as stated. ADR reserved. Depositions are limited to a reasonable number with the court retaining authority to set a number. Interrogatories limited to 75. All discovery as to class certification closed by 1/23/04. Motion for class certification due 2/13/04. Amendment of pleadings due 11/14/03. Discovery conference continued to 1:30 pm on 10/8/03. No notice (fce) (Entered: 07/24/2003)

RECAP
9 July 28, 2003

ATTORNEY APPEARANCE for Demetric Bell, Marilyn Berry, Catherine Brown, Kimberly Buchanan, Gilberto Gonzalez, Timmy Link, Eddie Manning Jr, Duane Parks, Brenda Riley, Darnel Royal, Robin Sallis, Velma Sanders, Barbara - Smith, Tony Triplett, Janet Wilkins by Stephen G. Seliger, Laurie S. Elkin, Robert D. Allison, Steven P. Schneck; Notice of filing (jmm (Entered: 07/28/2003)

RECAP
10 Sept. 11, 2003

UNOPPOSED MOTION by defendant for leave to file additional appearances . (fce) (Entered: 09/15/2003)

RECAP
11 Sept. 11, 2003

ATTORNEY APPEARANCE for defendant by Robert Michael O'Connell, Laura A. O'Connell (fce) (Entered: 09/15/2003)

RECAP
12 Sept. 17, 2003

MINUTE ORDER of 9/17/03 by Hon. P. Michael Mahoney: Defendant's motion for leave to file additional appearances is granted [10-1]. Mailed notice (fce) (Entered: 09/17/2003)

RECAP
13 Sept. 17, 2003

ATTORNEY APPEARANCE for defendant Woodward Gov Co by Robert M. O'Connell, Laura A. O'Connell. (fce) (Entered: 09/17/2003)

RECAP
14 Sept. 29, 2003

MOTION by defendant for protective order (Attachment); Notice. (fce) (Entered: 09/30/2003)

RECAP
15 Sept. 29, 2003

MOTION by plaintiffs' for order compelling disclosures under rule 26(a)(1) (Attachment); Notice. (fce) (Entered: 09/30/2003)

RECAP
16 Oct. 6, 2003

MOTION by defendant to modify case management order (Attachment); Notice. (fce) (Entered: 10/06/2003)

RECAP
17 Oct. 6, 2003

MOTION by defendant to limit discovery (Attachment); Notice. (fce) (Entered: 10/06/2003)

RECAP
18 Oct. 7, 2003

REQUEST by plaintiff for a briefing schedule with respect to defendant's motions ; Notice. (fce) (Entered: 10/07/2003)

RECAP
19 Oct. 8, 2003

MINUTE ORDER of 10/8/03 by Hon. P. Michael Mahoney: Filed Parties' discovery motions [18-1], [17-1]. Answer brief to motion due 10/22/03. Reply to answer brief due 10/29/03. Discovery conference held. If a party is not going to file a brief in response or reply, it is that party's obligation, within the time frame established by this order, to so notify the court in writing. Parties are to file any Rule 37 motions 48 business hours prior to any hearing; and the court will take argument and rule at the scheduled hearing. Telephonic status hearing to set hearing date set for 11:30 a.m. on 10/9/03. No notice (fce) (Entered: 10/09/2003)

RECAP
Oct. 9, 2003

SCHEDULE set on 10/9/03 by Hon. P. Michael Mahoney : Telephonic Status hearing held. Discovery conference and hearing on motions set for 1:30 11/4/03 . Telephoned notice (glg) (Entered: 10/09/2003)

PACER
20 Oct. 22, 2003

RESPONSE by defendant to plaintiffs' motion for order compelling disclosures under rule 26(a)(1) [15-1](Attachment). (fce) (Entered: 10/22/2003)

RECAP
21 Oct. 23, 2003

RESPONSE by plaintiffs' to motion for protective order [14-1]. (fce) Modified on 10/23/2003 (Entered: 10/23/2003)

RECAP
22 Oct. 23, 2003

RESPONSE by plaintiff to motion to limit discovery [17-1](Attachment). (fce) (Entered: 10/23/2003)

RECAP
23 Oct. 23, 2003

MEMORANDUM by plaintiff in opposition to motion to modify case management order [16-1](Attachment). (fce) (Entered: 10/23/2003)

RECAP
24 Oct. 29, 2003

REPLY by defendant Woodward Governor Co in support of their motion for protective order [14-1]. (fce) (Entered: 10/30/2003)

RECAP
25 Oct. 29, 2003

REPLY by defendant in support of their motion to modify case management order [16-1] (fce) (Entered: 10/30/2003)

RECAP
26 Oct. 29, 2003

REPLY by defendant in support of their motion to limit discovery [17-1] (fce) (Entered: 10/30/2003)

RECAP
27 Oct. 30, 2003

MINUTE ORDER of 10/30/03 by Hon. P. Michael Mahoney: Enter stipulated protective order. Entered stipulated protective order Mailed notice (fce) (Entered: 10/30/2003)

RECAP
28 Oct. 31, 2003

UNOPPOSED MOTION by plaintiffs' to extend case management orer . (fce) (Entered: 10/31/2003)

RECAP
29 Oct. 31, 2003

REPORT on litigation status as of 10/31/03 by plaintiff (Attachment). (fce) (Entered: 10/31/2003)

RECAP
30 Oct. 31, 2003

MOTION by plaintiffs' to compel production of work force data (Attachment). (fce) (Entered: 10/31/2003)

RECAP
31 Oct. 31, 2003

MOTION by plaintiff to compel production of EEO-1 Reports, affirmative action plans and documents relating to OFCCP audits (Attachments). (fce) (Entered: 10/31/2003)

RECAP
32 Oct. 31, 2003

MOTION by plaintiffs' to compel class action discovery regarding charging parties not currently named as plaintiffs (Attachments). (fce) (Entered: 10/31/2003)

RECAP
33 Oct. 31, 2003

MOTION by plaintiffs' to compel class discovery regarding company-wide organizational charts, employment policies, practices and procedures, and job descriptions (Attachments). (fce) (Entered: 10/31/2003)

RECAP
34 Oct. 31, 2003

MOTION by plaintiffs' to compel production of documents submitted to the EEOC (Attachment). (fce) (Entered: 10/31/2003)

RECAP
35 Oct. 31, 2003

TRANSCRIPT of proceedings for the following date(s): 10/8/03 Before Honorable P. Michael Mahoney (fce) (Entered: 10/31/2003)

RECAP
36 Oct. 31, 2003

MOTION by defendant to compel more precise disclosures (Attachment). (fce) (Entered: 11/03/2003)

RECAP
37 Nov. 3, 2003

REQUEST by defendant for protective order and briefing schedule with respect to plaintiffs' new motions . (fce) (Entered: 11/03/2003)

RECAP
38 Nov. 3, 2003

OBJECTION by defendant to plaintiffs' unopposed motion to extend case management order [28-1]. (fce) (Entered: 11/04/2003)

RECAP
39 Nov. 4, 2003

MINUTE ORDER of 11/4/03 by Hon. P. Michael Mahoney: Discovery conference held. Defendant's motion for protective order is moot [37-1]. Defendant's motion to compel is denied [36-1]. Defendant's motion to modify CMO is granted in part [16-1]. Defendant given 15 interrogatories per plaintiff and 20 general interrogatories. Defendant's motion to limit discovery is granted in part and denied in part [17-1]. Defendant to produce data base for the past 2 years. Plaintiff's motion to extend CMO is granted in part [28-1]. Amended complaint due 12/5/03. Plaintiff's motion to compel FRCP 26(a)(1) is moot [15-1]. Plaintiff's motion to compel production of work force data is granted in part and denied in part without prejudice as to 5 year request [30-1]. Defendant to 12/2/03 to file response for the past 2 years. Plaintiff's motion to compel organizational charts etc is granted in part [33-1]. Mailed notice (fce) (Entered: 11/05/2003)

RECAP
40 Nov. 4, 2003

MINUTE ORDER of 11/4/03 by Hon. P. Michael Mahoney : Plaintiff's motion to compel production of EEO-1 Reports, is granted [31-1]. Defendants to produce material and file a privilege log by 11/25/03. Plaintiff's motion to compel production of documents submitted to the EEOC is granted [34-1]. #7 limited to named plaintiffs to be responded to be 11/25/03. Plaintiffs' motion to compel class discovery regarding charging parties is granted in part [32-1]. As to Document request #1, other than medical files to be produced by 11/25/03; #2 to be produced by 11/25/03; #3 Job descriptions to be produced since 1998 by 11/25/03; #4 defendant to provide corporate organizational structures as stated in open court by 11/25/03. As to interrogatory #2, response back to 1998 as to charging parties due 11/25/03; #3 respond by 11/25/03 back to 1998; #4 as to age and sex, objection sustained. Mailed notice (fce) (Entered: 11/05/2003)

RECAP
41 Nov. 4, 2003

MINUTE ORDER of 11/4/03 by Hon. P. Michael Mahoney: As to interrogatory #5, Defendant may respond by production of documents back to 1998 by 11/25/03; #6 defendant to respond back to 1998 by 12/2/03. As to #12, defendant to respond by 11/25/03; #13 defendant to respond to salary comparisons by 11/25/03. Discovery conference continud to 1:30 p.m. on 12/11/03. Mailed notice (fce) (Entered: 11/05/2003)

RECAP
42 Nov. 5, 2003

TRANSCRIPT of proceedings for the following date(s): 11/4/03 Before Honorable P. Michael Mahoney (fce) (Entered: 11/05/2003)

RECAP
43 Nov. 25, 2003

PRIVILEGED document log by defendant. (fce) (Entered: 11/25/2003)

RECAP
44 Nov. 26, 2003

TRANSCRIPT of proceedings for the following date(s): 6/20/03 Before Honorable P. Michael Mahoney (fce) (Entered: 11/26/2003)

RECAP
45 Nov. 26, 2003

TRANSCRIPT of proceedings for the following date(s): 7/23/03 Before Honorable P. Michael Mahoney (fce) (Entered: 11/26/2003)

RECAP
46 Dec. 5, 2003

AMENDED COMPLAINT [1-1] by plaintiff; adding Della Jarrett, Fred Wynne (Attachment). (fce) (Entered: 12/05/2003)

RECAP
47 Dec. 9, 2003

REPORT by plaintiffs' on litigation status as of 12/8/03. (fce) (Entered: 12/09/2003)

RECAP
48 Dec. 9, 2003

SUPPLEMENTAL memorandum by plaintiffs' in support of their motion to compel production of EEO-1 Reports, affirmative action plans and documents relating to OFCCP audits [31-1](Attachment). (fce) (Entered: 12/09/2003)

RECAP
49 Dec. 9, 2003

MOTION by plaintiffs' to enforce 11/4/03 order regarding documetn requests #1-2,7,12-13, and interrogatories #2-5 (Attachment); Notice. (fce) (Entered: 12/09/2003)

RECAP
50 Dec. 9, 2003

MOTION by plaintiffs' to compel discovery regarding photographs of plaintiff Darnel Royal (Attachment); Notice. (fce) (Entered: 12/09/2003)

RECAP
Dec. 11, 2003

SCHEDULE set on 12/11/03 by Hon. P. Michael Mahoney : Due to court's schedule, Telephonic Status hearing set to 10:30 12/17/03 to set new deadlines. Discovery conference and noticed motion reset for 1:30 1/22/04 . Mailed notice (glg) (Entered: 12/11/2003)

PACER
51 Dec. 16, 2003

REPORT by defendant regarding status of case. (fce) (Entered: 12/16/2003)

RECAP
52 Dec. 17, 2003

MINUTE ORDER of 12/17/03 by Hon. P. Michael Mahoney : Plaintiff's three pending motions filed. Answer brief to motion due 1/13/04. Reply to answer brief due 1/20/04. Ruling on plaintiff's three pending motions will be by mail. Status hearing held. If a party is not going to file a brief in response or reply, it is that party's obligation, within the time frame established by this order, to so notify the court in writing. Defendants given to 1/14/04 to respond to amended complaint. The court will set a date for class certification motion on 1/22/04 at 1:30 pm. Mailed notice (jmm (Entered: 12/18/2003)

RECAP
53 Jan. 12, 2004

MOTION by Woodward Gov Co for additional time to respond to plaintiff's first amended complaint ; Notice of filing (jmm (Entered: 01/12/2004)

RECAP
54 Jan. 12, 2004

MOTION by Woodward Gov Co to compel the deposition of plaintiff, Darnell Royal (Attachments); Notice of motion (jmm (Entered: 01/13/2004)

RECAP
55 Jan. 13, 2004

OPPOSITION by Woodward Gov Co to production of EEO-1 reports, affirmative actions plans and OFCCP audit documents, motion for protective order and brief in support of self-critial analysis privilege ; (Exhibits) (jmm (Entered: 01/14/2004)

RECAP
56 Jan. 13, 2004

OPPOSITION by Woodward Gov Co to motion to compel discovery regarding photographs of plaintiff Darnel Royal [50-1] and motion to enforce 11/4/03 order and [49-1] for a protective order (jmm (Entered: 01/14/2004)

RECAP
57 Jan. 14, 2004

RESPONSE by plaintiff to defendant's motion to compel the deposition of plaintiff, Darnell Royal [54-1] ; (Attachments) ; Notice of filing (jmm (Entered: 01/14/2004)

RECAP
58 Jan. 14, 2004

MINUTE ORDER of 1/14/04 by Hon. P. Michael Mahoney : Defendant's motion to compel the deposition of Darnell Royal is granted [54-1] in part. Depositions of Royal and Gonzalez to be held on 1/30/04 at 9:30 as stated in open court. No notices required, advised in open court. (jmm (Entered: 01/15/2004)

RECAP
59 Jan. 20, 2004

REPLY Memorandum by plaintiff in support of motion to compel discovery regarding photographs of plaintiff Darnel Royal [50-1] ; Notice of filing (jmm (Entered: 01/20/2004)

RECAP
60 Jan. 20, 2004

REPLY Memorandum by plaintiff in support of motion to enforce 11/4/03 order regarding document requests #1-2,7,12-13, and interrogatories #2-5 [49-1] ; (Attachment) ; Notice of filing (jmm (Entered: 01/20/2004)

RECAP
61 Jan. 20, 2004

REPORT by plaintiff on litigation status as of 1/22/04 ; (Attachment) ; Notice of filing (jmm (Entered: 01/20/2004)

RECAP
62 Jan. 20, 2004

REPLY Brief by plaintiff in support of motion to compal production of EEO-1 reports, affirmative action plans and OFCCP audits ; (Attachments) ; Notice of filing (jmm (Entered: 01/20/2004)

RECAP
63 Jan. 20, 2004

MOTION by Woodward Gov Co to permit class discovery in accord with amended Rule 23 and Seventh Circuit case law ; Notice of motion (jmm (Entered: 01/20/2004)

RECAP
64 Jan. 21, 2004

ANSWER by Woodward Gov Co and affirmative defenses to plaintiffs' first amended class action complaint [46-1] ; Notice of filing (jmm (Entered: 01/21/2004)

RECAP
65 Jan. 21, 2004

MOTION by Woodward Gov Co to dismiss, transfer, or stay claims of Fred Wynne based on improper venue (Exhibits); Notice of motion (jmm (Entered: 01/21/2004)

RECAP
66 Jan. 22, 2004

RESPONSE by plaintiffs to defendant's "motion to permit class discovery in accord with amended Rule 23 and Seventh Circuit case law" [63-1] ; (Attachments) ; Notice of filing (jmm (Entered: 01/22/2004)

RECAP
67 Jan. 22, 2004

MINUTE ORDER of 1/22/04 by Hon. P. Michael Mahoney : Defendant's motion to dismiss, transfer or stay claims of Fred Wynne filed. Answer brief to motion due 2/12/04. Reply to answer brief due 2/19/04. Ruling on defendant's motion to dismiss, transfer or stay claims of Fred Wynne will be by mail. Discovery conference held. If a party is not going to file a brief in response or reply, it is that party's obligation, within the time frame established by this order, to so notify the court in writing. Plaintiff's motion to enforce 11/4/03 order is withdrawn [49-1] without prejudice. Plaintiff's motion to compel is withdrawn [50-1] without prejudice based upon representations made in open court. Plaintiff's motion to extend is granted. Fact discovery cutoff as to class certification closed 4/30/04. Class certification motion due 5/14/04. Defendant's motion to permit class discovery is granted [63-1] in part and denied in part. Discovery conference continued to 2/26/04 at 1:30 pm. Mailed notice (jmm (Entered: 01/22/2004)

RECAP
68 Jan. 26, 2004

MINUTE ORDER of 1/26/04 by Hon. P. Michael Mahoney : For the reasons stated on the attached Memorandum Opinion and Order, plaintiff's motion to compel reports is granted. Defendant is ordered to procude the material within 14 days of this order. (For further detail see order attached to the original minute order.) Mailed notice (jmm (Entered: 01/26/2004)

RECAP
69 Jan. 27, 2004

TRANSCRIPT of proceedings for the following date(s): 1/14/04 Before Honorable P. Michael Mahoney (jmm (Entered: 01/27/2004)

RECAP
70 Jan. 27, 2004

TRANSCRIPT of proceedings for the following date(s): 1/22/04 Before Honorable P. Michael Mahoney (jmm (Entered: 01/27/2004)

RECAP
71 Jan. 27, 2004

UNOPPOSED MOTION by Woodward Gov Co for additional time to reply in support of its motion to dismiss, transfer or stay claims of Fred Wynne ; Notice of filing (jmm (Entered: 01/27/2004)

RECAP
72 Feb. 3, 2004

MOTION by plaintiffs to compel compliance with deposition schedule (Attachments); Notice of motion (jmm (Entered: 02/03/2004)

RECAP
73 Feb. 5, 2004

OPPOSITION by Woodward Gov Co to motion to compel compliance with deposition schedule ; (Attachments) (jmm (Entered: 02/05/2004)

RECAP
74 Feb. 6, 2004

MINUTE ORDER of 2/6/04 by Hon. P. Michael Mahoney : Plaintiff's motion to compel compliance with deposition schedule is granted [72-1] in part and denied in part. Parties to schedule depositions as stated on the record. Mailed notice (jmm (Entered: 02/06/2004)

RECAP
75 Feb. 10, 2004

MINUTE ORDER of 2/10/04 by Hon. P. Michael Mahoney : Defendant's unopposed motion for additional time to 2/26/04 to reply in support of motion to dismiss is granted [71-1]. Mailed notice (jmm (Entered: 02/10/2004)

RECAP
76 Feb. 12, 2004

RESPONSE by plaintiffs to defendant's motion to dismiss [65-1], transfer [65-2], or stay claims of Fred Wynne [65-3] ; (Attachments) ; Notice of filing ; (one attachment FILED UNDER SEAL) (jmm (Entered: 02/12/2004)

RECAP
77 Feb. 13, 2004

MOTION by plaintiffs to extend date to add parties or claims ; Notice of motion (jmm (Entered: 02/17/2004)

RECAP
78 Feb. 20, 2004

TRANSCRIPT of proceedings for the following date(s): 2/06/04 Before Honorable P. Michael Mahoney (jmm (Entered: 02/20/2004)

RECAP
79 Feb. 24, 2004

REPORT by plaintiff on litigation status as of 2/23/04 ; (Attachment) ; Notice of filing (jmm (Entered: 02/24/2004)

RECAP
80 Feb. 24, 2004

MOTION by plaintiffs to compel production of data redacted from employee work force data base (Attachments); Notice of motion (jmm (Entered: 02/24/2004)

RECAP
81 Feb. 24, 2004

MOTION by plaintiffs to quash and objections to subpoenas duces tecum served by defendant (Attachments); Notice of motion (jmm (Entered: 02/24/2004)

RECAP
82 Feb. 24, 2004

MOTION by Woodward Gov Co to dismiss plaintiff's unripe claims, or to require plaintiffs to add parties and claims now, or to stay discovery until plaintiffs and their claims are identified (Attachments); Notice of motion (jmm (Entered: 02/25/2004)

RECAP
83 Feb. 25, 2004

STATUS REPORT by Woodward Gov Co for 2/26/04 discovery conference ; Notice of filing (jmm (Entered: 02/25/2004)

RECAP
84 Feb. 26, 2004

REPLY by Woodward Gov Co in support of its motion to dismiss [65-1], transfer or stay claims of Fred Wynne based on improper venue ; Notice of filing (jmm (Entered: 02/26/2004)

RECAP
85 Feb. 26, 2004

MINUTE ORDER of 2/26/04 by Hon. P. Michael Mahoney : Plaintiff's motion to compel production of data redacted from data base filed. Brief in support of motion due 3/04/04. Answer brief to motion due 3/11/04. Ruling on plaintiff's motion to compel production of data redacted from data base will be by mail. Discovery conference held. Magistrate Judge will rule. Plaintiff's motion to quash and objections is denied without prejudice as premature. Parties to hold FRCP 37.2 conference by 3/04/04. Plaintiff's motion to extend date to add parties or claims to 4/26/04 is granted [77-1]. Defendant's motion to dismiss plaintiff's unripe claims is granted [82-1] in part as stated in open court. Discovery conference continued to 3/22/04 at 1:30 pm. Mailed notice (jmm (Entered: 02/26/2004)

RECAP
86 March 11, 2004

RESPONSE by Woodward Gov Co to plaintiffs' 3/04/04 correspondence to the court ; (Attachments) ; Notice of filing (jmm (Entered: 03/12/2004)

RECAP
87 March 17, 2004

MINUTE ORDER of 3/17/04 by Hon. P. Michael Mahoney : Based on the material submitted to this court by Plaintiffs' expert, and the representations made by Plaintiffs' expert in the material, this court grants Plaintiffs' Motion to Compal Production of Data Redacted from Employee Work Force Data. Defendant is ordered to produce the gender and age information from its work force data to Plaintiffs within a reasonable time. The material submitted to this court by Plaintiffs' expert will be returned to Plaintiffs' counsel. Plaintiffs' counsel is ordered to preserve the material. Mailed notice (jmm (Entered: 03/17/2004)

RECAP
88 March 18, 2004

MOTION by plaintiffs to compel the depositions of James Halbrook and Thomas Gendron (Attachments); Notice of motion (jmm (Entered: 03/18/2004)

RECAP
89 March 18, 2004

MOTION by Woodward Gov Co for protective order, and to quash deposition notices for Woodward Governor's CEO and President (Attachments); Notice of motion (jmm (Entered: 03/18/2004)

RECAP
90 March 19, 2004

MOTION by plaintiff to compel the scheduling of depositions within the period for class discovery (Attachments); Notice of motion (jmm (Entered: 03/19/2004)

RECAP
91 March 19, 2004

REPORT by plaintiffs on litigation status as of 3/18/04 ; (Attachments) ; (Notice of filing) (jmm (Entered: 03/19/2004)

RECAP
92 March 19, 2004

STATUS REPORT by Woodward Gov Co for 3/22/04 discovery conference (jmm (Entered: 03/22/2004)

RECAP
93 March 22, 2004

RESPONSE by plaintiffs to defendant's motion for protective order [89-1] regarding depositions of John Halbrook and Thomas Gendron ; (Attachments) ; Notice of filing (jmm (Entered: 03/22/2004)

RECAP
94 March 22, 2004

MINUTE ORDER of 3/22/04 by Hon. P. Michael Mahoney : Discovery conference held. Plaintiff's motion to compel the scheduling of depositions [90-1] is moot. Plaintiff's motion to compel the depositions of Halbrook and Gendron is denied [88-1] without prejudice. Defendant's motion for protective order [89-1] and to quash is denied [89-2] as stated in open court. Discovery conference continued to 5/11/04 at 1:30 pm. Mailed notice (jmm (Entered: 03/23/2004)

RECAP

Case Details

State / Territory:

Illinois

Case Type(s):

Equal Employment

Special Collection(s):

IWPR/Wage Project Consent Decree Study

Multi-LexSum (in sample)

Key Dates

Filing Date: May 8, 2003

Closing Date: 2010

Case Ongoing: No

Plaintiffs

Plaintiff Description:

All African American, Hispanic, Asian and female employees who worked at the Rockford or Rockville, Illinois facilities on or anytime after May 8, 1999 through the preliminary approval date.

Plaintiff Type(s):

EEOC Plaintiff

Private Plaintiff

Attorney Organizations:

EEOC

Public Interest Lawyer: Yes

Filed Pro Se: No

Class Action Sought: Yes

Class Action Outcome: Granted

Defendants

Private Entity/Person

Woodward Governor Co.

Case Details

Causes of Action:

Equal Pay Act, 29 U.S.C. § 206(d)

Title VII (including PDA), 42 U.S.C. § 2000e

Other Dockets:

Northern District of Illinois 3:03-cv-50190

Northern District of Illinois 3:06-cv-50178

Available Documents:

Complaint (any)

Injunctive (or Injunctive-like) Relief

Trial Court Docket

Outcome

Prevailing Party: Plaintiff OR Mixed

Relief Granted:

Damages

Injunction / Injunctive-like Settlement

Source of Relief:

Settlement

Form of Settlement:

Court Approved Settlement or Consent Decree

Content of Injunction:

Discrimination Prohibition

Follow recruitment, hiring, or promotion protocols

Implement complaint/dispute resolution process

Monitoring

Monitor/Master

Other requirements regarding hiring, promotion, retention

Provide antidiscrimination training

Recordkeeping

Reporting

Utilize objective hiring/promotion criteria

Utilize objective job description

Amount Defendant Pays: $4,800,000

Order Duration: 2006 - 2010

Issues

General/Misc.:

Pattern or Practice

Retaliation

Discrimination Area:

Disparate Treatment

Harassment / Hostile Work Environment

Pay / Benefits

Promotion

Training

Discrimination Basis:

National origin discrimination

Race discrimination

Sex discrimination

Affected National Origin/Ethnicity(s):

Hispanic

Affected Race(s):

Asian/Pacific Islander

Black

Affected Sex/Gender(s):

Female

EEOC-centric:

Private Suit Related / Consolidated with EEOC Suit

Recommended Citation