Case: Hayman v. Mastercard, Inc.

7:25-cv-00340 | U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York

Filed Date: Jan. 14, 2025

Case Ongoing

Clearinghouse coding complete

Case Summary

This class-action lawsuit was brought by female, Black, and Hispanic employees alleging that their employer, Mastercard, had systematically underpaid them. On January 14, 2025, Plaintiffs filed suit in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York under the Equal Pay Act, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, and New York State and New York City human rights statutes. The putative class, represented by private counsel, consisted of all female, Black, and/or Hispanic employees curre…

This class-action lawsuit was brought by female, Black, and Hispanic employees alleging that their employer, Mastercard, had systematically underpaid them. On January 14, 2025, Plaintiffs filed suit in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York under the Equal Pay Act, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, and New York State and New York City human rights statutes. The putative class, represented by private counsel, consisted of all female, Black, and/or Hispanic employees currently or formerly employed by Mastercard in career levels 4–10 in the United States. They claimed that Mastercard systematically hired female, Black, and Hispanic into lower level positions than male and/or white employees, resulting in the class being paid less for performing substantially equal or similar work. They sought class certification, back pay, damages for emotional distress, liquidated and punitive damages, and attorneys’ fees.

Along with the complaint, on January 14, 2025, Plaintiffs filed an unopposed motion for certification of the class and for settlement. Pursuant to the proposed settlement, Defendant agreed to pay $26 million to cover back pay, attorney’s fees, and damages. Defendant also agreed to undertake a review of their hiring practices and career framework and to not oppose the motion for settlement. 

Judge Jessica Clarke granted the motion for settlement on January 30, 2025, issuing a preliminary approval of the settlement and certification of the class. Final approval of the settlement is scheduled for May 14, 2025.

This case is ongoing. 

Summary Authors

Erin Lichtenstein (2/24/2025)

People

For PACER's information on parties and their attorneys, see: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/69541849/parties/hayman-v-mastercard-inc/


Attorney for Plaintiff

Gelfand, Shira Zahava (New York)

Greene, Cara Elizabeth (New York)

Klein, Adam T (New York)

Attorney for Defendant

Klein, Jeffrey S. (New York)

Sacksteder, Elizabeth M. (New York)

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Documents in the Clearinghouse

Document
1

7:25-cv-00340

Class and Collective Action Complaint for Damages and Jury Demand

Hayman v. Mastercard

Jan. 14, 2025

Jan. 14, 2025

Complaint
15

7:25-cv-00340

Order Granting Plaintiffs’ Unopposed Motion for Preliminary Approval of Class and Collective Action Settlement

Jan. 30, 2025

Jan. 30, 2025

Order/Opinion

Docket

See docket on RECAP: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/69541849/hayman-v-mastercard-inc/

Last updated Jan. 16, 2026, 3:28 a.m.

ECF Number Description Date Link Date / Link
1

COMPLAINT against Mastercard, Inc.. (Filing Fee $ 405.00, Receipt Number ANYSDC-30453886)Document filed by L. Kasomo, Deborah Hayman, S. Brown, G.A. Gomes..(Greene, Cara) (Entered: 01/14/2025)

Jan. 14, 2025

Jan. 14, 2025

Clearinghouse
2

CIVIL COVER SHEET filed..(Greene, Cara) (Entered: 01/14/2025)

Jan. 14, 2025

Jan. 14, 2025

RECAP
3

REQUEST FOR ISSUANCE OF SUMMONS as to Mastercard, Inc., re: 1 Complaint. Document filed by Deborah Hayman, G.A. Gomes, S. Brown, L. Kasomo..(Greene, Cara) (Entered: 01/14/2025)

Jan. 14, 2025

Jan. 14, 2025

4

MOTION for Settlement Motion for Preliminary Approval of Class and Collective Action Settlement. Document filed by Deborah Hayman, G.A. Gomes, S. Brown, L. Kasomo. (Attachments: # 1 Proposed Order Proposed Order).(Greene, Cara) (Entered: 01/14/2025)

1 Proposed Order Proposed Order

View on PACER

Jan. 14, 2025

Jan. 14, 2025

5

MEMORANDUM OF LAW in Support re: 4 MOTION for Settlement Motion for Preliminary Approval of Class and Collective Action Settlement. . Document filed by Deborah Hayman, G.A. Gomes, S. Brown, L. Kasomo..(Greene, Cara) (Entered: 01/14/2025)

Jan. 14, 2025

Jan. 14, 2025

RECAP
6

DECLARATION of Cara E. Greene in Support re: 4 MOTION for Settlement Motion for Preliminary Approval of Class and Collective Action Settlement.. Document filed by Deborah Hayman, G.A. Gomes, S. Brown, L. Kasomo. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A - Settlement Agreement, # 2 Exhibit B - Proposed Notice).(Greene, Cara) (Entered: 01/14/2025)

1 Exhibit A - Settlement Agreement

View on PACER

2 Exhibit B - Proposed Notice

View on PACER

Jan. 14, 2025

Jan. 14, 2025

RECAP
7

ELECTRONIC SUMMONS ISSUED as to Mastercard, Inc...(jgo) (Entered: 01/15/2025)

Jan. 15, 2025

Jan. 15, 2025

8

NOTICE OF APPEARANCE by Elizabeth M. Sacksteder on behalf of Mastercard, Inc...(Sacksteder, Elizabeth) (Entered: 01/15/2025)

Jan. 15, 2025

Jan. 15, 2025

9

NOTICE OF APPEARANCE by Johan Erik Tatoy on behalf of Mastercard, Inc...(Tatoy, Johan Erik) (Entered: 01/15/2025)

Jan. 15, 2025

Jan. 15, 2025

10

NOTICE OF APPEARANCE by Jeffrey S. Klein on behalf of Mastercard, Inc...(Klein, Jeffrey) (Entered: 01/15/2025)

Jan. 15, 2025

Jan. 15, 2025

11

RULE 7.1 CORPORATE DISCLOSURE STATEMENT. No Corporate Parent. Document filed by Mastercard, Inc...(Sacksteder, Elizabeth) (Entered: 01/15/2025)

Jan. 15, 2025

Jan. 15, 2025

Notice to Attorney Regarding Case Opening Statistical Error Correction

Jan. 15, 2025

Jan. 15, 2025

Case Opening Initial Assignment Notice

Jan. 15, 2025

Jan. 15, 2025

CASE OPENING INITIAL ASSIGNMENT NOTICE: The above-entitled action is assigned to Judge Jessica G. L. Clarke. Please download and review the Individual Practices of the assigned District Judge, located at https://nysd.uscourts.gov/judges/district-judges. Attorneys are responsible for providing courtesy copies to judges where their Individual Practices require such. Please download and review the ECF Rules and Instructions, located at https://nysd.uscourts.gov/rules/ecf-related-instructions..(jgo)

Jan. 15, 2025

Jan. 15, 2025

Magistrate Judge Andrew E. Krause is designated to handle matters that may be referred in this case. Pursuant to 28 U.S.C. Section 636(c) and Fed. R. Civ. P. 73(b)(1) parties are notified that they may consent to proceed before a United States Magistrate Judge. Parties who wish to consent may access the necessary form at the following link: https://nysd.uscourts.gov/sites/default/files/2018-06/AO-3.pdf. (jgo)

Jan. 15, 2025

Jan. 15, 2025

Case Designated ECF. (jgo)

Jan. 15, 2025

Jan. 15, 2025

***NOTICE TO ATTORNEY REGARDING CIVIL CASE OPENING STATISTICAL ERROR CORRECTION: Notice to attorney Cara Elizabeth Greene. The following case opening statistical information was erroneously selected/entered: Cause of Action code None; County code Westchester;. The following correction(s) have been made to your case entry: the Cause of Action code has been modified to 29:206; the County code has been modified to XX Out of State;. (jgo)

Jan. 15, 2025

Jan. 15, 2025

12

NOTICE OF APPEARANCE by Adam T Klein on behalf of Deborah Hayman, G.A. Gomes, S. Brown, L. Kasomo..(Klein, Adam) (Entered: 01/22/2025)

Jan. 22, 2025

Jan. 22, 2025

13

NOTICE OF APPEARANCE by Shira Zahava Gelfand on behalf of Deborah Hayman, G.A. Gomes, S. Brown, L. Kasomo..(Gelfand, Shira) (Entered: 01/22/2025)

Jan. 22, 2025

Jan. 22, 2025

14

NOTICE OF APPEARANCE by Chauniqua Danielle Young on behalf of Deborah Hayman, G.A. Gomes, S. Brown, L. Kasomo..(Young, Chauniqua) (Entered: 01/22/2025)

Jan. 22, 2025

Jan. 22, 2025

15

ORDER GRANTING PLAINTIFFS' UNOPPOSED MOTION FOR PRELIMINARY APPROVAL OF CLASS AND COLLECTIVE ACTION SETTLEMENT granting 4 Motion for Settlement. it is HEREBY ORDERED, ADJUDGED and DECREED as follows: Plaintiffs Deborah Hayman, G.A. Gomes, L. Kasomo, and S. Brown ("Plaintiffs"), on behalf of themselves and all others similarly situated, and Defendant Mastercard, Inc. (collectively, the "Settling Parties") have negotiated a settlement of this action (the "Action") to avoid the uncertainty, expense, and burden of further litigation, and to resolve any and all claims being released by the Settlement Stipulation. The Settlement Stipulation entered into by and among the Settling Parties has been negotiated at arm's length and is approved on a preliminary basis as fair, reasonable, and adequate. A hearing regarding final approval of the Settlement Stipulation ("Final Approval Hearing") will be held on May 14, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. in Courtroom 11B of the Daniel Patrick Moynihan Courthouse at 500 Pearl Street, New York, New York, before the Honorable Jessica G. L. Clarke. The Court authorizes the Parties to take all necessary and appropriate steps to implement the Settlement Stipulation. (And as further set forth herein.) SO ORDERED.. (Signed by Judge Jessica G. L. Clarke on 1/30/2025) (jca) (Entered: 01/30/2025)

Jan. 30, 2025

Jan. 30, 2025

Clearinghouse

Set/Reset Hearings: Status Conference set for 5/14/2025 at 11:00 AM in Courtroom 11B, 500 Pearl Street, New York, NY 10007 before Judge Jessica G. L. Clarke. (jca)

Jan. 30, 2025

Jan. 30, 2025

16

NOTICE OF CHANGE OF ADDRESS by Jeffrey S. Klein on behalf of Mastercard, Inc.. New Address: Clarick Gueron Reisbaum LLP, 41 Madison Avenue, 23rd Floor, New York, NY, USA 10010, 212-633-4310..(Klein, Jeffrey) (Entered: 02/03/2025)

Feb. 3, 2025

Feb. 3, 2025

17

LETTER addressed to Judge Jessica G. L. Clarke from Cara E. Greene dated April 15, 2025 re: Joint Motion to Reschedule Final Approval Hearing. Document filed by S. Brown, G.A. Gomes, Deborah Hayman, L. Kasomo..(Greene, Cara) (Entered: 04/15/2025)

April 15, 2025

April 15, 2025

18

MEMO ENDORSEMENT on re: 17 Letter filed by S. Brown, L. Kasomo, G.A. Gomes, Deborah Hayman. ENDORSEMENT: Application GRANTED. The Final Approval Hearing scheduled for May 14, 2025 is ADJOURNED to July 30, 2025 at 3:00 pm in Courtroom 11B at 500 Pearl Street, New York, New York. SO ORDERED. ( Status Conference set for 7/30/2025 at 03:00 PM in Courtroom 11B, 500 Pearl Street, New York, NY 10007 before Judge Jessica G. L. Clarke.) (Signed by Judge Jessica G. L. Clarke on 4/16/2025) (sgz) (Entered: 04/17/2025)

April 16, 2025

April 16, 2025

19

OBJECTION TO PROPOSED CLASS ACTION SETTLEMENT. Document filed by Brenda Thomas. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit 1).(tg) (Entered: 06/05/2025)

1 Exhibit 1

View on PACER

June 4, 2025

June 4, 2025

RECAP
20

MOTION for Settlement Unopposed Motion for Final Approval of Class and Collective Settlement. Document filed by S. Brown, G.A. Gomes, Deborah Hayman, L. Kasomo. (Attachments: # 1 Proposed Order Proposed Order).(Greene, Cara) (Entered: 07/09/2025)

July 9, 2025

July 9, 2025

21

MEMORANDUM OF LAW in Support re: 20 MOTION for Settlement Unopposed Motion for Final Approval of Class and Collective Settlement. . Document filed by S. Brown, G.A. Gomes, Deborah Hayman, L. Kasomo..(Greene, Cara) (Entered: 07/09/2025)

July 9, 2025

July 9, 2025

22

DECLARATION of Cara E. Greene in Support re: 20 MOTION for Settlement Unopposed Motion for Final Approval of Class and Collective Settlement.. Document filed by S. Brown, G.A. Gomes, Deborah Hayman, L. Kasomo. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A - Stipulation of Settlement and Release, # 2 Exhibit B - Class Notice, # 3 Exhibit C - Declaration of Jennifer Smith for Rust Consulting).(Greene, Cara) (Entered: 07/09/2025)

July 9, 2025

July 9, 2025

23

MOTION for Attorney Fees Motion for Approval of Service Awards and Class Counsels' Fees and Costs. Document filed by S. Brown, G.A. Gomes, Deborah Hayman, L. Kasomo..(Greene, Cara) (Entered: 07/09/2025)

July 9, 2025

July 9, 2025

24

MEMORANDUM OF LAW in Support re: 23 MOTION for Attorney Fees Motion for Approval of Service Awards and Class Counsels' Fees and Costs. . Document filed by S. Brown, G.A. Gomes, Deborah Hayman, L. Kasomo..(Greene, Cara) (Entered: 07/09/2025)

July 9, 2025

July 9, 2025

25

DECLARATION of Cara E. Greene in Support re: 23 MOTION for Attorney Fees Motion for Approval of Service Awards and Class Counsels' Fees and Costs.. Document filed by S. Brown, G.A. Gomes, Deborah Hayman, L. Kasomo. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit 1 - Stipulation of Settlement and Release, # 2 Exhibit 2 - Lodestar Summary, # 3 Exhibit 3 - Costs Summary, # 4 Exhibit 4 - Declaration of Deborah Hayman, # 5 Exhibit 5 - Declaration of G.A. Gomes, # 6 Exhibit 6 - Declaration of S. Brown, # 7 Exhibit 7 - Declaration of L. Kasomo).(Greene, Cara) (Entered: 07/09/2025)

July 9, 2025

July 9, 2025

26

NOTICE of Compliance with 28 U.S.C. § 1715. Document filed by Mastercard, Inc.. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A - List of Recipients, # 2 Exhibit B - List of Recipients, # 3 Exhibit C - List of Recipients).(Tatoy, Johan Erik) (Entered: 07/09/2025)

July 9, 2025

July 9, 2025

Minute Entry for proceedings held before Judge Jessica G. L. Clarke: Fairness Hearing held on 7/30/2025. Counsel Cara E. Greene, Chauniqua D. Young, Shira Z. Gelfand present for the Plaintiffs. Counsel Elizabeth M. Sacksteder, Jeffrey S. Klein, and Johan E. Tatoy present for the Defendant. (stt)

July 30, 2025

July 30, 2025

Fairness Hearing

July 31, 2025

July 31, 2025

27

ORDER GRANTING FINAL APPROVAL OF SETTLEMENT, APPROVAL OF SERVICE AWARDS, AND APPROVAL OF CLASS COUNSEL'S FEES AND COSTS: Accordingly, it is HEREBY ORDERED, ADJUDGED and DECREED as follows: Service Awards. The Court finds that service awards of $25,000 each to the Class Representatives are reasonable. Service awards are common in class action cases and serve to compensate plaintiffs for the time and effort expended in assisting the prosecution of the litigation, the risks incurre d by becoming and continuing as a Class Representative, and any other burdens sustained by the plaintiffs. Here, the requested service awards are reasonable and are approved. As further stated in this Order, Attorneys' Fees and Expenses. The Court awards Class Counsel $8,666,666.66 in fees and costs for their efforts in support of this litigation out of the Gross Settlement Amount. Class Counsel engaged considerable resources in the prosecution of this case. The attorneys at O utten & Golden LLP are experienced class action and employment lawyers with good reputations among the class action and employment bars and significant experience in litigating criminal history discrimination claims. Class Counsel are nationally re cognized employment class action litigators. Although Class Counsel had no guarantee of any compensation pursuing this case, and have worked without compensation, they achieved substantial success in settling the claims on behalf of the Class, a nd will continue to perform work on behalf of the Class going forward to effectuate the terms of the Settlement. Settlement Administrator. Rust Consulting Group, Inc. is hereby appointed to continue serving as Settlement Administrator and its fee o f $65,000 is approved. Implementation. The Court authorizes the Parties to take all necessary and appropriate steps to implement the Settlement Stipulation. The parties shall abide by all terms of the Settlement Stipulation. Specifically, pu rsuant to the Settlement Stipulation, the Parties shall execute the following next steps: (a) Within fourteen (14) days after the date of Final Approval, Defendant shall deposit $26,000,000 (the Settlement Payment) into the Qualified Settlemen t Fund ("QSF") established by the Settlement Administrator. (b) Within fourteen (14) calendar days after Mastercard makes the Settlement Payment, the Settlement Administrator shall re-calculate each Participating Class Member's Pa rticipating Class Member Payment and mail to each Participating Class Member settlement checks written from the QSF's bank account and equaling the Participating Class Member Payment. (c) The Settlement Administrator will send ou t reminders within sixty (60) calendar days after the initial distribution of settlement checks to Participating Class Members reminding them to cash their checks prior to the 90-day deadline. Such reminders will be sent via email and/or text m essage for Participating Class Members for which the Settlement Administrator has an email address or mobile phone number, and by U.S. First Class Mail for Participating Class Members for which the Settlement Administrator has neither an email ad dress nor a mobile phone number. Dismissal with Prejudice. Upon the fulfillment of all settlement terms, the entire Litigation will be dismissed with prejudice, and without costs, expenses or attorneys' fees to any party except as provided in the Settlement Stipulation and this Order. All Participating Class Members who did not opt out, all Participating Collective Members who deposit a Settlement Check, and Plaintiffs are permanently enjoined from asserting, pursuing, and/ or seeking to reopen claims that have been released through the Settlement Stipulation. The Court retains jurisdiction over the interpretation and implementation of the Settlement Stipulation. The Clerk of Court is directed to CLOSE this case. (A nd as further set forth herein.) It is so ORDERED. (Signed by Judge Jessica G. L. Clarke on 8/1/2025) Motions terminated: 23 MOTION for Attorney Fees Motion for Approval of Service Awards and Class Counsels' Fees and Costs. 20 MOTION for Settlement Unopposed Motion for Final Approval of Class and Collective Settlement. (ar)

Aug. 1, 2025

Aug. 1, 2025

RECAP
28

JOINT LETTER addressed to Judge Jessica G. L. Clarke from Elizabeth M. Sacksteder and Cara E. Greene dated August 14, 2025 re: Requesting Addendum to Settlement Final Approval Order. Document filed by Mastercard, Inc...(Sacksteder, Elizabeth) (Entered: 08/14/2025)

Aug. 14, 2025

Aug. 14, 2025

29

MEMO ENDORSEMENT on re: 28 Letter filed by Mastercard, Inc. ENDORSEMENT: Application GRANTED. Paragraph 16 of the Final Approval is modified as proposed. The Settlement Administrator shall issue payments to the Participating Class Members by September 2, 2025. SO ORDERED. (Signed by Judge Jessica G. L. Clarke on 8/14/2025) (tg) (Entered: 08/14/2025)

Aug. 14, 2025

Aug. 14, 2025

RECAP
30

TRANSCRIPT of Proceedings re: HEARING held on 7/30/2025 before Judge Jessica G. L. Clarke. Court Reporter/Transcriber: Devon Gerber, (212) 805-0320. Transcript may be viewed at the court public terminal or purchased through the Court Reporter/Transcriber before the deadline for Release of Transcript Restriction. After that date it may be obtained through PACER. Redaction Request due 10/30/2025. Redacted Transcript Deadline set for 11/10/2025. Release of Transcript Restriction set for 1/7/2026..(Moya, Goretti) (Entered: 10/09/2025)

Oct. 9, 2025

Oct. 9, 2025

31

NOTICE OF FILING OF OFFICIAL TRANSCRIPT Notice is hereby given that an official transcript of a HEARING proceeding held on 7/30/2025 has been filed by the court reporter/transcriber in the above-captioned matter. The parties have seven (7) calendar days to file with the court a Notice of Intent to Request Redaction of this transcript. If no such Notice is filed, the transcript may be made remotely electronically available to the public without redaction after 90 calendar days....(Moya, Goretti) (Entered: 10/09/2025)

Oct. 9, 2025

Oct. 9, 2025

32

LETTER from Brenda Thomas re: contact information and to receive electronic service for each matter. Document filed by Brenda Thomas. (sac) (Entered: 10/15/2025)

Oct. 15, 2025

Oct. 15, 2025

33

ORDER: The Court received a communication from Ms. Thomas regarding the status of her individual claim. That case is pending before another judge in another matter. See Thomas v. Mastercard Inc., No. 25-CV-4279. However, to the extent Ms. Thomas did not receive the Court's Order in this case approving the class settlement agreement, the Court directs the Clerk of Court to mail that Order (ECF No. 27) to Ms. Thomas. SO ORDERED. (Signed by Judge Jessica G. L. Clarke on 10/16/2025) (jca) Transmission to Docket Assistant Clerk for processing.

Oct. 16, 2025

Oct. 16, 2025

RECAP

Mailed a copy of 33 Order, 27 Order, Terminate Motions, to Brenda Thomas 118 Union Avenue Mount Vernon, NY 10550. (mjy)

Oct. 17, 2025

Oct. 17, 2025

Mail Order by USPS

Oct. 17, 2025

Oct. 17, 2025

Case Details

State / Territory:

New York

Case Type(s):

Equal Employment

Special Collection(s):

Private Employment Class Actions

Key Dates

Filing Date: Jan. 14, 2025

Case Ongoing: Yes

Plaintiffs

Plaintiff Description:

All female, Black, and/or Hispanic employees currently or formerly employed by Mastercard in career levels 4–10 in the United States.

Plaintiff Type(s):

Private Plaintiff

Public Interest Lawyer: No

Filed Pro Se: No

Class Action Sought: Yes

Class Action Outcome: Granted

Defendants

Mastercard, Inc., Private Entity/Person

Defendant Type(s):

Bank or credit provider

Case Details

Causes of Action:

Civil Rights Act of 1957/1960, 52 U.S.C. § 10101 (previously 42 U.S.C. § 1971)

Equal Pay Act, 29 U.S.C. § 206(d)

State Anti-Discrimination Law

Other Dockets:

Southern District of New York 7:25-cv-00340

Available Documents:

Complaint (any)

Injunctive (or Injunctive-like) Relief

Monetary Relief

Trial Court Docket

Outcome

Prevailing Party: Plaintiff OR Mixed

Relief Granted:

Attorneys fees

Damages

Injunction / Injunctive-like Settlement

Source of Relief:

Settlement

Form of Settlement:

Court Approved Settlement or Consent Decree

Content of Injunction:

Auditing

Other requirements regarding hiring, promotion, retention

Amount Defendant Pays: $26,000,000

Issues

General/Misc.:

Classification / placement

Pattern or Practice

Discrimination Area:

Disparate Treatment

Pay / Benefits

Seniority

Discrimination Basis:

Gender identity

Race discrimination

Affected National Origin/Ethnicity(s):

Hispanic

Affected Race(s):

Black

Affected Sex/Gender(s):

Female