More than 2,000 current and former workers at a Coca-Cola bottling and distribution company in Washington could receive an estimated $672 payment as part of a $2 million class-action settlement over allegations that the company unlawfully restricted some employees from taking other jobs.
Eligible workers at Swire Coca-Cola USA will automatically receive a payment if the settlement receives final court approval - no claim form is required. The estimated payment is $672.54, although the final amount could change after court-approved fees and expenses are deducted.
Swire Coca-Cola USA is one of Coca-Cola's independent bottling partners. The company makes, packages, sells and distributes Coca-Cola products and other beverages to stores, restaurants, offices and other customers across 13 Western U.S. states, including Washington. It is headquartered in Draper, Utah, and has more than 8,000 employees.
The settlement covers workers who were employed by Swire Coca-Cola in Washington between September 9, 2022, and March 10, 2026, and earned less than twice the applicable Washington state minimum hourly wage during that period.
The lawsuit alleged that Swire used noncompete agreements and employment policies that improperly restricted certain lower-paid workers from taking additional jobs or performing other paid work.
Washington law limits employers' ability to restrict workers earning below twice the state's minimum wage from holding another job or working as an independent contractor. Swire denies the allegations and agreed to settle the case without admitting wrongdoing.
Most eligible workers do not need to do anything to receive the settlement payment.
Payments will be sent by check to eligible workers at the address on file. Workers can also use the settlement website to update their mailing address or choose a digital payment option.
The deadline to update an address, choose a digital payment method, opt out of the settlement or object to it is November 2. A final approval hearing is scheduled for November 13. If the settlement is approved, payments are expected to be issued about 60 days after final approval.
The proposed settlement would create a $2,003,000 fund for approximately 2,003 class members. The fund also covers court-approved attorneys' fees, expenses, administration costs and service awards for the named plaintiffs.
