Case: Equal Employment Opportunity Commission v. Signal International, LLC

2:12-cv-00557 | U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana

Filed Date: April 20, 2011

Closed Date: Dec. 29, 2016

Clearinghouse coding complete

Case Summary

This is the second case filed in the Signal International cases. On Apr. 20, 2011, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) filed suit against defendant Signal International, LLC, in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Mississippi. The EEOC alleged violations of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. The EEOC's allegations of unlawful employment practices and a hostile workplace on the basis of national origin, immigration status, and race stem from a related case…

This is the second case filed in the Signal International cases.

On Apr. 20, 2011, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) filed suit against defendant Signal International, LLC, in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Mississippi. The EEOC alleged violations of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. The EEOC's allegations of unlawful employment practices and a hostile workplace on the basis of national origin, immigration status, and race stem from a related case, David v. Signal International, brought against Signal by the guestworkers themselves. 

The EEOC alleged that the terms and conditions of the Indian guestworkers' employment were less favorable than their non-Indian counterparts', and that Signal engaged in a pattern or practice of subjecting the Indian workers to a hostile environment and disparate terms and conditions of employment based on their race and national origin. The EEOC sought injunctive relief and monetary awards, including damages for emotional pain and suffering, punitive damages for malicious and reckless conduct, and attorneys' fees.

On Jan. 24, 2012, the Court (Magistrate Judge Robert Walker) granted a motion to intervene by three private plaintiffs who had been subjected to the allegedly unlawful treatment. The plaintiffs then filed a class action complaint, defining the proposed class as "all Indian Workers who paid recruitment fees and/or other amounts to the Recruiters, and who were employed by Signal at any time in 2006, 2007, and/or 2008." 2012 WL 208864. 

On Feb. 29, 2012, the Court (Chief U.S. District Judge Louis Guirola) granted Signal's motion to transfer the case to the Eastern District of Louisiana on the grounds that this case and David arose from the same conduct, and that the substantive issues and the parties were similar. District Judge Jay Zainey of the Eastern District of Louisiana then denied Signal's motion to consolidate the cases, noting that since the EEOC was a party to this case, it was statutorily entitled to expedited consideration.

On Sept. 10, 2013, Magistrate Judge Daniel Knowles granted the EEOC's motion for a protective order for information related to the immigration history or status of individuals involved in the case. Signal argued it needed the information for impeachment purposes; the court noted that it had already rejected this argument in the David case, and once again barred discovery on the matter. 2013 WL 4854136. 

On Sept. 26, 2013, the Court dismissed the Intervenors' (guestworkers') claim for recovery of recruitment fees. The alleged discriminatory conduct in connection with the recruitment related only to events that occurred outside of the United States and before the Intervenors began to work at Signal's facilities, and the court found that Congress intended to exclude non-citizens located outside the United States from the protection of Title VII. As such, the Intervenors were not covered when they paid the recruitment fee because they were non-citizens and were not working within the United States at the time.

On July 12, 2014, the U.S. Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation denied Signal's motion to transfer all of the cases pending against it to the Eastern District of Louisiana.

On Oct. 14, 2014, the Court denied Signal's motion for interlocutory appeal of the Court's prohibition of discovery on plaintiffs' post-Signal information including immigration status. 37 F.Supp.3d 37. 

Although the Court set a trial date of June 1, 2015, on May 7, 2015, the trial was delayed indefinitely until an appeal on a separate EEOC case, EEOC v. Bass Pro Outdoor World, LLC, could be resolved. Shortly after, on July 12, 2015, Signal filed Chapter 11 bankruptcy, putting a further halt on the case proceedings.

In Dec. 2015, the EEOC announced that the parties had reached a settlement for all cases, approved by the bankruptcy court. Signal would pay $5 million to 476 guestworkers through a claims process. All aggrieved individuals included in the litigation could receive relief in spite of the bankruptcy proceedings. Signal's CEO also issued an apology for its conduct.

This case is now closed.

Summary Authors

Anna Dimon (4/17/2015)

Allison Hight (1/15/2016)

Ava Morgenstern (12/1/2017)

Related Cases

David v. Signal International, LLC, Eastern District of Louisiana (2008)

Achari v. Signal International, LLC, Eastern District of Louisiana (2013)

Joseph v. Signal International, LLC, Eastern District of Texas (2013)

Samuel v. Signal International, LLC, Eastern District of Texas (2013)

Marimuthu v. Signal International, LLC, Eastern District of Texas (2013)

Chakkiyattil v. Signal International, LLC, Eastern District of Louisiana (2013)

Krishnakutty v. Signal International, LLC, Eastern District of Louisiana (2013)

Meganathan v. Signal International, LLC, Eastern District of Texas (2013)

Kambala v. Signal International, LLC, Eastern District of Texas (2013)

Devassy v. Signal International, LLC, Eastern District of Louisiana (2013)

Singh v. Signal International, LLC, Eastern District of Louisiana (2013)

People

For PACER's information on parties and their attorneys, see: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/5059925/parties/equal-employment-opportunity-commission-v-signal-international-llc/


Judge(s)
Attorney for Plaintiff

Bean, Julie Steptoe (Louisiana)

Bedi, Sheila A. (Louisiana)

Bhatnagar, Chandra S. (Louisiana)

Bjarnson, Joseph (Louisiana)

Attorney for Defendant

Bollman, Patricia Anne (Louisiana)

Documents in the Clearinghouse

Documents in this case

2:12-cv-00557

Docket

Equal Employment Opportunity Commission v. Signal International LLC

Feb. 26, 2015

Feb. 26, 2015

Docket

2:12-cv-00557

Docket [PACER]

Dec. 29, 2016

Dec. 29, 2016

Docket
1

2:12-cv-00557

Nature of the Action

U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Mississippi

April 20, 2011

April 20, 2011

Complaint
44

2:12-cv-00557

Order Granting Motion to Intervene

U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Mississippi

Jan. 24, 2012

Jan. 24, 2012

Order/Opinion

2012 WL 208864

45

2:12-cv-00557

Class Complaint in Intervention

U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Mississippi

Feb. 3, 2012

Feb. 3, 2012

Complaint
52

2:12-cv-00557

Order Granting Motion to Transfer

Equal Employment opportunity Commission v. Signal International, LLC

U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Mississippi

Feb. 29, 2012

Feb. 29, 2012

Order/Opinion
93

2:12-cv-00557

Order

April 2, 2012

April 2, 2012

Order/Opinion
153

2:12-cv-00557

First Amended Complaint

Aug. 2, 2012

Aug. 2, 2012

Complaint
179

2:12-cv-00557

Proposed First Amended Complaint in Intervention

Oct. 15, 2012

Oct. 15, 2012

Complaint
194

2:12-cv-00557

Order and Reasons

May 20, 2013

May 20, 2013

Order/Opinion

2013 WL 2181293

Resources

Resources related to this case
Title Description External URL Date / External URL

Signal International, LLC to Pay $5 Million to Settle EEOC Race, National Origin Lawsuit

Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - Signal International, LLC, a Mobile, Ala. ship building and repair company, will pay an estimated $5 million to 476 Indian guest workers to settle a race and national origin discri… Dec. 18, 2015

Dec. 18, 2015

https://www.eeoc.gov/...

These Guestworkers Just Won $20 Million Back From the Company That Trafficked Them [The Nation]

Chen, Michelle

They came from India to repair the Gulf Coast after hurricanes Katrina and Rita, and were repaid with months of abuse. On Katrina’s 10th anniversary, both the workers and their bosses are finally get… Oct. 2, 2015

Oct. 2, 2015

https://www.thenation.com/...

Signal International Apologizes to Hundreds of Exploited Indian Guest Workers

Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC)

The SPLC’s $14 million verdict against the company this year led to a settlement of 11 remaining suits.

A marine services company that reached a $20 million settlement agreement earlie…
Sept. 29, 2015

Sept. 29, 2015

https://www.splcenter.org/...

Signal International Lawsuits

Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC)

The SPLC filed suit on behalf of guest workers from India who were defrauded and exploited in a labor trafficking scheme engineered by a Gulf Coast marine services company, an immigration lawyer and … Feb. 28, 2015

Feb. 28, 2015

https://www.splcenter.org/...

Docket

See docket on RECAP: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/5059925/equal-employment-opportunity-commission-v-signal-international-llc/

Last updated Nov. 3, 2026, 12:26 a.m.

Docket for: Equal Employment Opportunity Commission v. Signal International, LLC
ECF Number Date Description Link
1 April 20, 2011

COMPLAINT with Jury Demand against Signal International, LLC, filed by Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. (Attachments: # 1 Civil Cover Sheet)(avm) [Transferred from mssd on 3/1/2012.] (Entered: 04/20/2011)

1 Civil Cover Sheet

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2 May 6, 2011

MOTION to Intervene by Sabulal Vijayan, Jacob Joseph Kadakkarappally, Kurian David (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A: Vijayan and Kadakkarappally EEOC Cause Determinations, # 2 Exhibit Proposed Class Complaint in Intervention)(Bedi, Sheila) [Transferred from mssd on 3/1/2012.] (Entered: 05/06/2011)

1 Exhibit A: Vijayan and Kadakkarappally EEOC Cause Determinations

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2 Exhibit Proposed Class Complaint in Intervention

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3 May 6, 2011

MEMORANDUM in Support re 2 MOTION to Intervene filed by Kurian David, Jacob Joseph Kadakkarappally, Sabulal Vijayan (Bedi, Sheila) [Transferred from mssd on 3/1/2012.] (Entered: 05/06/2011)

RECAP
4 May 6, 2011

MOTION for Daniel Werner to Appear Pro Hac Vice by Kurian David, Jacob Joseph Kadakkarappally, Sabulal Vijayan (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit Certificates of Good Standing (GA and NY))(Bedi, Sheila) [Transferred from mssd on 3/1/2012.] (Entered: 05/06/2011)

1 Exhibit Certificates of Good Standing (GA and NY)

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5 May 6, 2011

MOTION for Naomi Tsu to Appear Pro Hac Vice by Kurian David, Jacob Joseph Kadakkarappally, Sabulal Vijayan (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit Certificates of Good Standing (GA and CA))(Bedi, Sheila) [Transferred from mssd on 3/1/2012.] (Entered: 05/06/2011)

1 Exhibit Certificates of Good Standing (GA and CA)

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6 May 6, 2011

MOTION for Thomas P. Fritzsche to Appear Pro Hac Vice by Kurian David, Jacob Joseph Kadakkarappally, Sabulal Vijayan (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit Certificate of Good Standing (GA))(Bedi, Sheila) [Transferred from mssd on 3/1/2012.] (Entered: 05/06/2011)

1 Exhibit Certificate of Good Standing (GA)

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7 May 6, 2011

MOTION for Alan B. Howard to Appear Pro Hac Vice by Kurian David, Jacob Joseph Kadakkarappally, Sabulal Vijayan (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit Certificate of Good Standing (NY))(Bedi, Sheila) [Transferred from mssd on 3/1/2012.] (Entered: 05/06/2011)

1 Exhibit Certificate of Good Standing (NY)

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8 May 6, 2011

MOTION for Hugh D. Sandler to Appear Pro Hac Vice by Kurian David, Jacob Joseph Kadakkarappally, Sabulal Vijayan (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit Certificate of Good Standing (NY))(Bedi, Sheila) [Transferred from mssd on 3/1/2012.] (Entered: 05/06/2011)

1 Exhibit Certificate of Good Standing (NY)

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9 May 6, 2011

MOTION for Joseph R. Bjarnson to Appear Pro Hac Vice by Kurian David, Jacob Joseph Kadakkarappally, Sabulal Vijayan (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit Certificate of Good Standing (NY))(Bedi, Sheila) [Transferred from mssd on 3/1/2012.] (Entered: 05/06/2011)

1 Exhibit Certificate of Good Standing (NY)

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10 May 6, 2011

MOTION for Chandra S. Bhatnagar to Appear Pro Hac Vice by Kurian David, Jacob Joseph Kadakkarappally, Sabulal Vijayan (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit Certificate of Good Standing (NY))(Bedi, Sheila) [Transferred from mssd on 3/1/2012.] (Entered: 05/06/2011)

1 Exhibit Certificate of Good Standing (NY)

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11 May 6, 2011

MOTION for Ivy Suriyopas to Appear Pro Hac Vice by Kurian David, Jacob Joseph Kadakkarappally, Sabulal Vijayan (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit Certificate of Good Standing (NY))(Bedi, Sheila) [Transferred from mssd on 3/1/2012.] (Entered: 05/06/2011)

1 Exhibit Certificate of Good Standing (NY)

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12 May 9, 2011

ORDER granting 4 Motion to Appear Pro Hac Vice; granting 5 Motion to Appear Pro Hac Vice; granting 6 Motion to Appear Pro Hac Vice; granting 7 Motion to Appear Pro Hac Vice; granting 8 Motion to Appear Pro Hac Vice; granting 9 Motion to Appear Pro Hac Vice; granting 10 Motion to Appear Pro Hac Vice; granting 11 Motion to Appear Pro Hac Vice. Signed by Magistrate Judge Robert H. Walker on May 9, 2011 (King, Steve) [Transferred from mssd on 3/1/2012.] (Entered: 05/09/2011)

RECAP
May 9, 2011

DOCKET ANNOTATION as to #4 and #5: no case number on documents. Attorney does not need to re-file, but is reminded to review PDFs before filing. (avm) [Transferred from mssd on 3/1/2012.]

May 9, 2011

Pro Hac Vice fee paid for Daniel Werner receipt number 0538-1858979 $ 100 (Werner - PHV, Daniel) [Transferred from mssd on 3/1/2012.]

May 11, 2011

Pro Hac Vice fee paid for Naomi Tsu receipt number 0538-1860786 $ 100 (Werner - PHV, Daniel) [Transferred from mssd on 3/1/2012.]

May 11, 2011

Pro Hac Vice fee paid for Thomas P. Fritzsche receipt number 0538-1860796 $ 100 (Werner - PHV, Daniel) [Transferred from mssd on 3/1/2012.]

May 12, 2011

Pro Hac Vice fee paid by Joseph R. Bjarnson $ 100, receipt number 34643009773; by Hugh D. Sandler $100, receipt number 34643009772; and by Alan B. Howard $100, receipt number 34643009771. (avm) [Transferred from mssd on 3/1/2012.]

May 17, 2011

Pro Hac Vice fee paid by Ivy Suriyopas $ 100, receipt number 34643009865. (avm) [Transferred from mssd on 3/1/2012.]

13 May 19, 2011

NOTICE of Appearance by Charles E. Guerrier on behalf of Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (Guerrier, Charles) [Transferred from mssd on 3/1/2012.] (Entered: 05/19/2011)

RECAP
May 20, 2011

Pro Hac Vice fee paid by C Bhatnagar $ 100, receipt number 34643009938. (avm) Modified on 5/20/2011 to correct spelling of name(avm). [Transferred from mssd on 3/1/2012.]

May 20, 2011

DOCKET ANNOTATION as to pro hac fee paid this date: the docket entry has been edited to correct the spelling of the attorneys name. (avm) [Transferred from mssd on 3/1/2012.]

14 May 24, 2011

MEMORANDUM in Opposition re 2 MOTION to Intervene filed by Signal International, LLC (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A, # 2 Exhibit B, # 3 Exhibit C, # 4 Exhibit D)(Ungar, Hal) [Transferred from mssd on 3/1/2012.] (Entered: 05/24/2011)

1 Exhibit A

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2 Exhibit B

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3 Exhibit C

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4 Exhibit D

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15 May 25, 2011

NOTICE of Mailing of Waiver of Service to Defendant by Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (Murray, Steven) [Transferred from mssd on 3/1/2012.] (Entered: 05/25/2011)

RECAP
16 May 25, 2011

NOTICE of Appearance by Anica Clarissa Conner on behalf of Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (Conner, Anica) [Transferred from mssd on 3/1/2012.] (Entered: 05/25/2011)

RECAP
May 25, 2011

DOCKET ANNOTATION as to #14: Pursuant to Fed.R.Cr.P. Rule 49(d) and Fed.R.Civ.P. Rule 84, appendix form 2 states that date, signature, address, e-mail address and telephone number are used at the conclusion of pleadings and other papers that require a signature. Document is undated, but the date will be construed as the date of electronic filing. Attorney is advised to follow this rule in future filings. ADDITIONAL DOCKET ANNOTATION as to #14: U.L.Cr.R.47(B) requires that all supporting exhibits to a document be denominated by an exhibit letter or number and a meaningful description. Attorney is advised to follow this rule in future filings. ADDITIONAL DOCKET ANNOTATION : court staff advised attorney to enter a notice of appearance as attorney did not add himself to the case upon filing of this document. (avm) [Transferred from mssd on 3/1/2012.]

17 May 26, 2011

REQUEST FOR WAIVER of Service sent to Signal International, c/o CT Corporation System, 645 Lakeland East Drive, Suite 101, Flowood, MS 39232 on May 20, 2011 by Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. Waiver of Service due by 6/22/2011 (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit Ex. A, pp. 1-3)(Murray, Steven) [Transferred from mssd on 3/1/2012.] (Entered: 05/26/2011)

1 Exhibit Ex. A, pp. 1-3

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18 May 26, 2011

NOTICE of Appearance by Hal D. Ungar on behalf of Signal International, LLC (Ungar, Hal) [Transferred from mssd on 3/1/2012.] (Entered: 05/26/2011)

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19 May 26, 2011

Consent MOTION for Extension of Time to File Response/Reply as to 2 MOTION to Intervene by Kurian David, Jacob Joseph Kadakkarappally, Sabulal Vijayan (Attachments: # 1 Proposed Order)(Werner - PHV, Daniel) [Transferred from mssd on 3/1/2012.] (Entered: 05/26/2011)

1 Proposed Order

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May 26, 2011

DOCKET ANNOTATION as to #16: Pursuant to Fed.R.Cr.P. Rule 49(d) and Fed.R.Civ.P. Rule 84, appendix form 2 states that date, signature, address, e-mail address and telephone number are used at the conclusion of pleadings and other papers that require a signature. Document is undated, but the date will be construed as the date of electronic filing. Attorney is advised to follow this rule in future filings.(avm) [Transferred from mssd on 3/1/2012.]

May 26, 2011

DOCKET ANNOTATION as to #15: incorrect docket event used. Attorney is directed to refile using the correct event for "request for waiver of service". (avm) [Transferred from mssd on 3/1/2012.]

20 May 27, 2011

NOTICE of Appearance by Julie Steptoe Bean on behalf of Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (Bean, Julie) [Transferred from mssd on 3/1/2012.] (Entered: 05/27/2011)

RECAP
May 27, 2011

DOCKET ANNOTATION as to #19: Proposed orders are not to be electronically filed as a separate pleading or as an attachment to a pleading, but instead are to be provided to chambers by e-mail (Courts Administrative Procedures for Electronic Case Filing Sec.5.B.). (avm) [Transferred from mssd on 3/1/2012.]

May 27, 2011

TEXT ONLY ORDER granting 19 Motion for Extension of Time to File Response/Reply as to 2 MOTION to Intervene. Replies due by 6/14/2011. No further written order will issue. Signed by Magistrate Judge Robert H. Walker on May 27, 2011 (King, Steve) [Transferred from mssd on 3/1/2012.]

21 June 10, 2011

NOTICE of Filing of Return of Service by Kurian David, Jacob Joseph Kadakkarappally, Sabulal Vijayan (Fritzsche - PHV, Thomas) [Transferred from mssd on 3/1/2012.] (Entered: 06/10/2011)

RECAP
22 June 14, 2011

Rebuttal re 14 Memorandum in Opposition to Motion, 2 MOTION to Intervene filed by Kurian David, Jacob Joseph Kadakkarappally, Sabulal Vijayan (Fritzsche - PHV, Thomas) [Transferred from mssd on 3/1/2012.] (Entered: 06/14/2011)

RECAP
23 July 10, 2011

WAIVER OF SERVICE Returned Executed by Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. Signal International, LLC waiver sent on 5/20/2011, answer due 7/19/2011. (Murray, Steven) [Transferred from mssd on 3/1/2012.] (Entered: 07/10/2011)

RECAP
24 July 19, 2011

MOTION for More Definite Statement Under Rule 12(e) by Signal International, LLC (Attachments: # 1 Memorandum in Support)(Ungar, Hal) [Transferred from mssd on 3/1/2012.] (Entered: 07/19/2011)

1 Memorandum in Support

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25 July 20, 2011

MEMORANDUM IN SUPPORT re 24 MOTION for More Definite Statement Under Rule 12(e) filed by Signal International, LLC (Ungar, Hal) [Transferred from mssd on 3/1/2012.] (Entered: 07/20/2011)

RECAP
July 20, 2011

DOCKET ANNOTATION as to #24: Memoranda in support should be filed separately and shown as a related document to the motion (Court's Administrative Procedures for Electronic Case Filing Sec. 3.A.7). Attorney is directed to file the Memorandum as a separate document and link it to the appropriate document. (avm) [Transferred from mssd on 3/1/2012.]

26 July 22, 2011

MOTION to Stay Case and Transfer Pursuant to the First-Filed Rule by Signal International, LLC (Ungar, Hal). Added MOTION to Change Venue on 7/25/2011 (avm). [Transferred from mssd on 3/1/2012.] (Entered: 07/22/2011)

RECAP
27 July 22, 2011

MEMORANDUM in Support re 26 MOTION to Stay Case and Transfer Pursuant to the First-Filed Rule filed by Signal International, LLC (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A, # 2 Exhibit B, # 3 Exhibit C, # 4 Exhibit D)(Ungar, Hal) [Transferred from mssd on 3/1/2012.] (Entered: 07/22/2011)

1 Exhibit A

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2 Exhibit B

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3 Exhibit C

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4 Exhibit D

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July 25, 2011

DOCKET ANNOTATION as to #26: This document requests several motion reliefs. Every motion relief should be selected from the list of motion titles or each relief docketed separately. The same PDF document may be used for all motion filing entries. It is not necessary to refile as court staff has made the necessary correction and added a motion relief to change venue. Attorney is advised to follow this procedure in future filings. (avm) [Transferred from mssd on 3/1/2012.]

28 Aug. 1, 2011

MEMORANDUM in Opposition re 24 MOTION for More Definite Statement Under Rule 12(e) filed by Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (Guerrier, Charles) [Transferred from mssd on 3/1/2012.] (Entered: 08/01/2011)

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Aug. 2, 2011

DOCKET ANNOTATION as to #28: Pursuant to Fed.R.Cr.P. Rule 49(d) and Fed.R.Civ.P. Rule 84, appendix form 2 states that date, signature, address, e-mail address and telephone number are used at the conclusion of pleadings and other papers that require a signature. Document is undated, but the date will be construed as the date of electronic filing. Attorney is advised to follow this rule in future filings. (avm) [Transferred from mssd on 3/1/2012.]

29 Aug. 5, 2011

RESPONSE in Opposition re 26 MOTION to Stay Case and Transfer Pursuant to the First-Filed Rule MOTION to Change Venue filed by Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (Guerrier, Charles) [Transferred from mssd on 3/1/2012.] (Entered: 08/05/2011)

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30 Aug. 8, 2011

REPLY to Response to Motion re 28 Memorandum in Opposition to Motion for More Definite Statement filed by Signal International, LLC (Ungar, Hal) Modified on 8/9/2011 to add document link to original motion 24 (avm). [Transferred from mssd on 3/1/2012.] (Entered: 08/08/2011)

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Aug. 9, 2011

DOCKET ANNOTATION as to #30: Incorrect linkage made. Reply to Response should be linked to Motion for More Definite Statment, as all related filings to motions (using the "Responses and Replies" category, with the exception of "Response to Order") should be linked back to the original motion. Court staff has made the correction. (avm) [Transferred from mssd on 3/1/2012.]

31 Aug. 11, 2011

MOTION to Strike 30 Reply to Response to Motion for a More Definite Statement by Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (Bean, Julie) [Transferred from mssd on 3/1/2012.] (Entered: 08/11/2011)

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32 Aug. 11, 2011

MEMORANDUM IN SUPPORT re 31 MOTION to Strike 30 Reply to Response to Motion for a More Definite Statement filed by Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (Bean, Julie) [Transferred from mssd on 3/1/2012.] (Entered: 08/11/2011)

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33 Aug. 12, 2011

REPLY to Response to Motion re 26 MOTION to Stay Case and Transfer Pursuant to the First-Filed Rule MOTION to Change Venue filed by Signal International, LLC (Ungar, Hal) [Transferred from mssd on 3/1/2012.] (Entered: 08/12/2011)

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34 Aug. 18, 2011

MOTION to Strike 33 Reply to Response to Motion to Stay or Transfer by Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (Guerrier, Charles) [Transferred from mssd on 3/1/2012.] (Entered: 08/18/2011)

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35 Aug. 18, 2011

MEMORANDUM in Support re 34 MOTION to Strike 33 Reply to Response to Motion to Stay or Transfer filed by Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (Guerrier, Charles) [Transferred from mssd on 3/1/2012.] (Entered: 08/18/2011)

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36 Aug. 24, 2011

MEMORANDUM in Opposition re 31 MOTION to Strike 30 Reply to Response to Motion for a More Definite Statement filed by Signal International, LLC (Ungar, Hal) [Transferred from mssd on 3/1/2012.] (Entered: 08/24/2011)

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37 Aug. 31, 2011

REPLY to Response to Motion re 31 MOTION to Strike 30 Reply to Response to Motion to Stay or Transfer, 36 Memorandum in Opposition to Motion for a More Definitive Statement filed by Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (Bean, Julie) Modified on 8/31/2011 to correct document linkage to motion #31 to strike #30(avm). [Transferred from mssd on 3/1/2012.] (Entered: 08/31/2011)

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38 Aug. 31, 2011

MEMORANDUM in Opposition re 34 MOTION to Strike 33 Reply to Response to Motion to Stay or Transfer filed by Signal International, LLC (Ungar, Hal) [Transferred from mssd on 3/1/2012.] (Entered: 08/31/2011)

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Aug. 31, 2011

DOCKET ANNOTATION as to #37: office of J Bean advised this reply to response was linked to the incorrect motion; court staff has edited the docket entry and the document links to make this a reply to response to 31 motion to strike 30, and to 36 memorandum in opposition to 31 . (avm) [Transferred from mssd on 3/1/2012.]

39 Sept. 7, 2011

REPLY to Response to Motion re 34 MOTION to Strike 33 Reply to Response to Motion to Stay or Transfer filed by Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (Guerrier, Charles) [Transferred from mssd on 3/1/2012.] (Entered: 09/07/2011)

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Sept. 9, 2011

DOCKET ANNOTATION as to #39: Incorrect event chosen. Based on the title and document contains case law, the event code "Memorandum in Support of Motion" should have been used. Attorney is not required to refile. (RLW) [Transferred from mssd on 3/1/2012.]

40 Nov. 2, 2011

NOTICE of Appearance by Marsha Lynn Rucker on behalf of Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (Rucker, Marsha) [Transferred from mssd on 3/1/2012.] (Entered: 11/02/2011)

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41 Jan. 4, 2012

** DISREGARD - SEE DOCKET ENTRY #42 ** MEMORANDUM in Opposition re 26 MOTION to Stay Case and Transfer Pursuant to the First-Filed Rule MOTION to Change Venue Supplemental Authority filed by Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit Order in David v. Signal)(Guerrier, Charles) Modified on 1/5/2012 (avm). [Transferred from mssd on 3/1/2012.] (Entered: 01/04/2012)

1 Exhibit Order in David v. Signal

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42 Jan. 5, 2012

NOTICE of supplemental authority by Equal Employment Opportunity Commission re 26 MOTION to Stay Case and Transfer Pursuant to the First-Filed Rule MOTION to Change Venue (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit Supplemental Authority)(Guerrier, Charles) [Transferred from mssd on 3/1/2012.] (Entered: 01/05/2012)

1 Exhibit Supplemental Authority

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Jan. 5, 2012

DOCKET ANNOTATION as to #41: document has been filed as a Notice; see docket entry #42. Court staff has termed the link to the original motion. (avm) [Transferred from mssd on 3/1/2012.]

43 Jan. 6, 2012

MEMORANDUM IN OPPOSITION re 42 Notice (Other), Notice (Other) filed by Signal International, LLC (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A)(Ungar, Hal) [Transferred from mssd on 3/1/2012.] (Entered: 01/06/2012)

1 Exhibit A

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44 Jan. 24, 2012

ORDER granting 2 Motion to Intervene. Signed by Magistrate Judge Robert H. Walker on January 24, 2012 (King, Steve) [Transferred from mssd on 3/1/2012.] (Entered: 01/24/2012)

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45 Feb. 3, 2012

Intervenor COMPLAINT, filed by Sabulal Vijayan, Jacob Joseph Kadakkarappally, Kurian David.(Fritzsche - PHV, Thomas) [Transferred from mssd on 3/1/2012.] (Entered: 02/03/2012)

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46 Feb. 15, 2012

MOTION to Compel by Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (Rucker, Marsha) [Transferred from mssd on 3/1/2012.] (Entered: 02/15/2012)

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47 Feb. 15, 2012

MEMORANDUM in Support re 46 MOTION to Compel filed by Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A-E correspondences between EEOC and Signal re: initial disclosures)(Rucker, Marsha) [Transferred from mssd on 3/1/2012.] (Entered: 02/15/2012)

1 Exhibit A-E correspondences between EEOC and Signal re: initial disclosures

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Feb. 16, 2012

DOCKET ANNOTATION as to #46 and #47: Pursuant to Fed.R.Cr.P. Rule 49(d) and Fed.R.Civ.P. Rule 84, appendix form 2 states that date, signature, address, e-mail address and telephone number are used at the conclusion of pleadings and other papers that require a signature. Main documents are undated, but the date will be construed as the date of electronic filing. Attorney is advised to follow this rule in future filings. (avm) [Transferred from mssd on 3/1/2012.]

48 Feb. 23, 2012

MOTION to Withdraw as Attorney by Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (Guerrier, Charles) [Transferred from mssd on 3/1/2012.] (Entered: 02/23/2012)

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49 Feb. 23, 2012

RESPONSE in Support re 46 MOTION to Compel filed by Kurian David, Jacob Joseph Kadakkarappally, Sabulal Vijayan (Fritzsche - PHV, Thomas) [Transferred from mssd on 3/1/2012.] (Entered: 02/23/2012)

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50 Feb. 24, 2012

MOTION for More Definite Statement Under Rule 12(e), or in the alternative, Motion for Partial Dismissal Under Rule 12(b)(6) of Intervenors' Complaint by Signal International, LLC (Ungar, Hal) [Transferred from mssd on 3/1/2012.] (Entered: 02/24/2012)

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51 Feb. 24, 2012

MEMORANDUM in Support re 50 MOTION for More Definite Statement Under Rule 12(e), or in the alternative, Motion for Partial Dismissal Under Rule 12(b)(6) of Intervenors' Complaint filed by Signal International, LLC (Ungar, Hal) [Transferred from mssd on 3/1/2012.] (Entered: 02/24/2012)

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52 Feb. 29, 2012

ORDER granting 26 Motion to Transfer this matter to the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana; denying 34 Motion to Strike as moot. Signed by Chief District Judge Louis Guirola, Jr on 2/29/12 (PKS) [Transferred from mssd on 3/1/2012.] (Entered: 02/29/2012)

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Feb. 29, 2012

TEXT ORDER finding as moot 26 Motion to Stay Case NO FURHTER WRITTEN ORDER WILL FOLLOW. Signed by Chief District Judge Louis Guirola, Jr on 02/29/2012 (Guirola, Louis) [Transferred from mssd on 3/1/2012.]

Feb. 29, 2012

District Transfer Out to the Eastern District of Louisiana. (PKS) [Transferred from mssd on 3/1/2012.]

53 March 1, 2012

Case transferred in from District of Mississippi Southern; Case Number 1:11-cv-00179. Electronic file certified copy of transfer order and docket sheet received (jtd) (Entered: 03/01/2012)

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54 March 2, 2012

Notice of Related Case(s) 08-cv-01220 of Possible Collateral Proceeding by Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. (Rucker, Marsha) Modified text on 3/5/2012 (mm, ). (Entered: 03/02/2012)

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55 March 2, 2012

**DEFICIENT**NOTICE of Appearance by Eden B. Heilman on behalf of Kurian David, Jacob Joseph Kadakkarappally, Sabulal Vijayan. (Heilman, Eden) Modified on 3/5/2012 (mm, ). (Entered: 03/02/2012)

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56 March 2, 2012

**DEFICIENT**Notice of Related Case(s) pursuant to Local Civil Rule 3.1 by Kurian David, Jacob Joseph Kadakkarappally, Sabulal Vijayan of related case(s) 08-cv-01220. (Heilman, Eden) Modified on 3/5/2012 (mm, ). (Entered: 03/02/2012)

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57 March 5, 2012

Correction of Docket Entry by Clerk re 54 Notice (Other). **Filing attorney selected incorrect event. Correct event is Notice of Related Case. Clerk took corrective action by either changing the event.** (mm, ) (Entered: 03/05/2012)

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58 March 5, 2012

Notice of Related Case(s) by Signal International, LLC of related case(s) 08-1220. (Ungar, Hal) Modified case info on 3/6/2012 (mm, ). (Entered: 03/05/2012)

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59 March 5, 2012

Notice of Related Case(s) by Kurian David, Jacob Joseph Kadakkarappally, Sabulal Vijayan of related case(s) 08-1220. (Werner, Daniel) (Entered: 03/05/2012)

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60 March 6, 2012

Correction of Docket Entry by Clerk re 58 Notice of Related Case(s). **Filing attorney entered incorrect case number for related case. Clerk corrected info. No further action necessary.** (mm, ) (Entered: 03/06/2012)

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61 March 6, 2012

ORDER TRANSFERRING CASE. Case transferred to Judge Jay C. Zainey for all further proceedings. Judge Helen G. Berrigan no longer assigned to case. Signed by Judge Helen G. Berrigan on 3/2/12.(plh, )(NEF: County, DEK) (Entered: 03/06/2012)

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62 March 9, 2012

EXPARTE/CONSENT MOTION to Enroll as Counsel of Record by Kurian David, Jacob Joseph Kadakkarappally, Sabulal Vijayan. Motion(s) referred to Daniel E. Knowles, III. (Attachments: # 1 Proposed Order Enrolling Eden Heilman as Counsel for Plaintiff-Intervenors)(Heilman, Eden) Modified on 3/12/2012 to edit text (rll, ). (Entered: 03/09/2012)

1 Proposed Order Enrolling Eden Heilman as Counsel for Plaintiff-In

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63 March 12, 2012

ORDER granting 62 Motion to Enroll as Counsel of Record. Signed by Magistrate Judge Daniel E. Knowles, III on 3/12/2012. (mm, ) (Entered: 03/12/2012)

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64 March 12, 2012

MOTION to Deny consolidation by Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. Motion set for 3/28/2012 09:00 AM before Judge Jay C. Zainey. (Attachments: # 1 Notice of Submission)(Rucker, Marsha) Modified on 3/13/2012 (gbw, ). (Additional attachment(s) added on 3/13/2012: # 2 Memorandum in Support) (gbw, ). Modified on 3/13/2012 (gbw, ). (Entered: 03/12/2012)

1 Notice of Submission (Civil Only)

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2 Memorandum in Support

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65 March 12, 2012

ERROR: FILED AS A SEPARATE DOCUMENT** RESPONSE/MEMORANDUM in Support filed by Equal Employment Opportunity Commission re 64 MOTION Deny consolidation. (Rucker, Marsha) Modified on 3/13/2012 (gbw, ). (Entered: 03/12/2012)

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66 March 12, 2012

ERROR: SEE DOC. #63** NOTICE of Appearance by Eden B. Heilman on behalf of Kurian David, Jacob Joseph Kadakkarappally, Sabulal Vijayan. (Heilman, Eden) Modified on 3/13/2012 (gbw, ). Modified on 3/13/2012 (gbw, ). (Entered: 03/12/2012)

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67 March 12, 2012

EXPARTE/CONSENT MOTION to Appear Pro Hac Vice as to Thomas Fritzsche. (Filing fee $ 100 receipt number 053L-3428341) by Kurian David, Jacob Joseph Kadakkarappally, Sabulal Vijayan. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit Certificate of Good Standing, # 2 Affidavit Declaration of Thomas Fritzsche, # 3 Proposed Order Proposed Order)(Heilman, Eden) Modified on 3/13/2012 (gbw, ). (Entered: 03/12/2012)

1 Exhibit Certificate of Good Standing

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2 Affidavit Declaration of Thomas Fritzsche

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3 Proposed Order Proposed Order

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68 March 12, 2012

RESPONSE/MEMORANDUM in Opposition filed by Kurian David, Jacob Joseph Kadakkarappally, Sabulal Vijayan re 50 MOTION for More Definite Statement Under Rule 12(e), or in the alternative, Motion for Partial Dismissal Under Rule 12(b)(6) of Intervenors' Complaint. (Heilman, Eden) (Entered: 03/12/2012)

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69 March 13, 2012

Correction of Docket Entry by Clerk re 65 Response/Memorandum in Support of Motion. Document was incorrectly filed as a separate document instead of an attachment to document #64. Clerk took corrective action. No further action is needed. (gbw, ) (Entered: 03/13/2012)

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70 March 13, 2012

Correction of Docket Entry by Clerk re 66 Notice of Appearance. A deficiency notice was previously sent to refile as a motion & order. Per Doc. #62 & #63, the motion & order was already granted. Notice of appearance was not necessary. No further action is necessary. (gbw, ) (Entered: 03/13/2012)

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71 March 13, 2012

Correction of Docket Entry by Clerk re 67 MOTION to Appear Pro Hac Vice as to Thomas Fritzsche (Filing fee $ 100 receipt number 053L-3428341)Document contains incorrect Section. All future pleadings must reflect Section A (Jay C. Zainey) and Magistrate Judge 3 (Daniel E. Knowles, III).(gbw, ) (Entered: 03/13/2012)

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72 March 13, 2012

ORDER In light of the potential overlap between the discrimination claims brought in this lawsuit and in Civil Action 08-1220, the Plaintiffs in this matter, including the EEOC, are ORDERED to participate in the 08-1220 settlement conference with Magistrate Judge Knowles scheduled for 4/3/12 10:00 AM in New Orleans. Signed by Judge Jay C. Zainey.(jrc, ) (Entered: 03/13/2012)

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73 March 13, 2012

ORDER Settlement Conference set for 4/3/2012 10:00 AM before Magistrate Judge Daniel E. Knowles III.Signed by Magistrate Judge Daniel E. Knowles, III.(mm, ) (Entered: 03/13/2012)

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74 March 13, 2012

Order Vacating Case Referral to Magistrate Judge Daniel E. Knowles, III. Signed by Judge Jay C. Zainey on 3/13/2012.(gbw, )(NEF: MJ Knowles) (Entered: 03/13/2012)

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75 March 14, 2012

ORDER granting 48 Motion to Withdraw as Attorney. Attorney Charles E. Guerrier terminated. Signed by Judge Jay C. Zainey on 3/14/2012. (gbw, ) (Entered: 03/14/2012)

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76 March 14, 2012

ORDER granting 67 Motion to Appear Pro Hac Vice as to Thomas Fritzsche. Signed by Judge Jay C. Zainey on 3/14/2012(gbw, ) (Entered: 03/14/2012)

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77 March 16, 2012

ORDER denying 24 Motion for More Definite Statement; denying as moot 31 Motion to Strike ; denying 50 Motion for More Definite Statement. Deadlines set herein. Signed by Judge Jay C. Zainey. (jrc, ) (Entered: 03/16/2012)

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Case Details

State / Territory:

Louisiana

Case Type(s):

Immigration and/or the Border

Special Collection(s):

Multi-LexSum (in sample)

Signal International Guest Worker Cases

Key Dates

Filing Date: April 20, 2011

Closing Date: Dec. 29, 2016

Case Ongoing: No

Plaintiffs

Plaintiff Description:

EEOC

Plaintiff Type(s):

EEOC Plaintiff

Attorney Organizations:

EEOC

Southern Poverty Law Center

Public Interest Lawyer: Yes

Filed Pro Se: No

Class Action Sought: No

Class Action Outcome: Not sought

Defendants

Private Entity/Person

Signal International, Inc.

Facility Type(s):

Non-government for-profit

Case Details

Causes of Action:

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

Other Dockets:

Eastern District of Louisiana 2:12-cv-00557

Eastern District of Louisiana 15-11498

Available Documents:

Any published opinion

Complaint (any)

Monetary Relief

Trial Court Docket

Outcome

Prevailing Party: Plaintiff OR Mixed

Relief Granted:

Damages

Source of Relief:

Settlement

Form of Settlement:

Private Settlement Agreement

Amount Defendant Pays: 5,000,000

Issues

General/Misc.:

Bathing and hygiene

Food service / nutrition / hydration

Housing

Loss or damage to property

Pattern or Practice

Racial segregation

Retaliation

Sanitation / living conditions

Totality of conditions

Discrimination Area:

Conditions of Employment (including assignment, transfer, hours, working conditions, etc.)

Discipline

Disparate Treatment

Harassment / Hostile Work Environment

Pay / Benefits

Discrimination Basis:

Immigration status

National origin discrimination

Race discrimination

Affected National Origin/Ethnicity(s):

Indian

Affected Race(s):

Asian/Pacific Islander

EEOC-centric:

Private Party intervened in EEOC suit

Immigration/Border:

Employer sanctions

Employment

Immigration lawyers

Temporary foreign workers program

U.S. citizenship - acquiring

Recommended Citation