Overview
Walgreen Pharmacy Services Midwest, LLC and Walgreen Co. have agreed to a $6.8 million settlement to resolve claims they violated California labor laws affecting pharmacy technicians.
The class action lawsuit alleges that Walgreens failed to pay minimum and overtime wages, denied required meal and rest breaks, and issued inaccurate wage statements. While Walgreens denies any wrongdoing, the company agreed to settle to avoid continued litigation.
Who Is Eligible?
You may be eligible for a payment if you meet either of the following criteria:
- Class Members:
Worked as a non-exempt (hourly) pharmacy technician in California for Walgreen Pharmacy Services Midwest LLC or Walgreen Co. between April 15, 2020, and April 20, 2024. - PAGA Employees:
A subset of the class who worked as non-exempt pharmacy technicians at any California Walgreens location between August 10, 2021, and April 20, 2024.
How Much Will the Settlement Pay?
- Pro Rata Cash Payments:
Payments will be calculated based on the number of weeks each class or PAGA member worked during the applicable period. - No Claim Form Required:
Eligible individuals do not need to submit a claim. Payments will be automatically issued using employee records on file.
How Will I Be Paid?
Payments will be distributed by paper check and mailed to the address on record for each eligible class member.
Settlement Fund Breakdown
The $6.8 million fund will be distributed as follows:
- Class Member Payments: Approximately $4,245,383.33
- Attorneys’ Fees: Up to $2,266,666.67
- Attorneys’ Costs: Up to $40,000
- Settlement Administration Costs: Up to $37,950
- Service Award to Named Plaintiff: Up to $10,000
- PAGA Penalties: $200,000 total
- $150,000 to the California Labor and Workforce Development Agency
- $50,000 to be distributed among PAGA Employees
Important Dates
- Initial Notice Mailing: May 12, 2025
- Opt-Out Deadline: June 26, 2025
- Final Approval Hearing: August 26, 2025
When Will I Get My Payment?
Checks will be mailed after the court grants final approval and once any appeals are resolved. No specific payout date is provided, but distribution typically occurs within a few months of final approval.
Why Was the Lawsuit Filed?
The lawsuit claimed Walgreens violated several provisions of California labor law, including failure to:
- Pay overtime and minimum wages
- Provide lawful meal and rest breaks
- Issue accurate wage statements
Walgreens denies the allegations but settled to avoid the costs and uncertainties of trial.
Sources:
Status: Settlement Open
Estimated Award: Varies based on weeks worked
No Claim Required
Opt-Out Deadline: June 26, 2025