On November 22, 2022, the U.S. District Court for the District of Connecticut granted final approval to a $1.29 million settlement between Yale University and thousands of Yale employees represented by Connecticut employment lawyers Garrison, Levin-Epstein, Fitzgerald & Pirrotti and Washington-based AARP Foundation. The Honorable Kari A. Dooley reviewed the settlement and found that it was, “in all respects, fair, reasonable, and adequate.” The settlement funds will now be disbursed to the Yale employees in the class.
The 2019 lawsuit alleged that Yale’s Health Expectations Program violated the federal Americans with Disabilities Act and Genetic Information Non-Discrimination Act by requiring employees and their spouses to either participate in the wellness program or pay a weekly opt-out fee.
Under the settlement, Yale may continue to offer its wellness program, but it will not charge opt-out fees for a four-year period and will change its practices regarding the transfer of health data in connection with the program. Yale will also pay significant compensation to the class members.
Josh Goodbaum of Garrison, Levin-Epstein represented the class of Connecticut employees, along with Elizabeth Aniskevich of AARP Foundation. Said Attorney Goodbaum of the settlement: “I am honored to cocounsel with AARP Foundation on this case and to represent a group of courageous workers. I am thrilled with the significant compensation we obtained for Yale employees and with the changes Yale has made to its employee wellness program.”
The lawyers of Garrison, Levin-Epstein, Fitzgerald & Pirrotti, P.C. have been advocating for employee and civil rights throughout Connecticut for more than 45 years. From our offices in New Haven, we provide award-winning representation in all aspects of Connecticut employment law.