Michigan Disaster Cleanup Workers Reach Settlement in COVID Lawsuit
A group of disaster-recovery workers from Michigan who were put in hazardous conditions during the early stages of the pandemic have reached a confidential settlement in their lawsuit against several contractors and subcontractors.
The lawsuit, filed in the 42nd Circuit Court in Midland County, alleged that more than 100 workers were recruited from out of state to perform cleanup and remediation work at multiple sites, including hospitals and private properties. The workers claimed they were subjected to unsafe living conditions, with four people sharing a hotel room, crowded transportation, and inadequate COVID-19 protocols.
The lawsuit also alleged that public health officials advised the workers to remain in Michigan but failed to communicate effectively, leading to terminations and re-deployment of workers out of state. As a result, some workers contracted COVID-19 and became severely ill, requiring hospitalization.
According to the Sugar Law Center for Economic and Social Justice, which represented the workers, the settlement sends a strong message that worker safety must be prioritized during public health emergencies. The lawsuit alleged negligence and violations of wage and sick-leave protections, as well as other state and federal claims.
The terms of the settlement were not disclosed, but John Philo, executive director of the Sugar Law Center, said it represents a major step forward for disaster workers who often face hazardous conditions with limited power to speak up. "It affirms that companies responding to disasters must prioritize worker safety, especially during public-health emergencies," he stated.
Saket Soni, executive director of Resilience Force, one of the organizations representing the workers, emphasized the importance of standing up for disaster-recovery workers' rights. The lawsuit aimed to uphold the right to health and safety at work, even during a pandemic, and its resolution confirms this right for everyone in Michigan.
The named defendants in the case included several contractors and subcontractors, including SERVPRO Industries LLC, Favreau, Wallace, Rush, Schmidt, Inc., and RACM, L.L.C.
A group of disaster-recovery workers from Michigan who were put in hazardous conditions during the early stages of the pandemic have reached a confidential settlement in their lawsuit against several contractors and subcontractors.
The lawsuit, filed in the 42nd Circuit Court in Midland County, alleged that more than 100 workers were recruited from out of state to perform cleanup and remediation work at multiple sites, including hospitals and private properties. The workers claimed they were subjected to unsafe living conditions, with four people sharing a hotel room, crowded transportation, and inadequate COVID-19 protocols.
The lawsuit also alleged that public health officials advised the workers to remain in Michigan but failed to communicate effectively, leading to terminations and re-deployment of workers out of state. As a result, some workers contracted COVID-19 and became severely ill, requiring hospitalization.
According to the Sugar Law Center for Economic and Social Justice, which represented the workers, the settlement sends a strong message that worker safety must be prioritized during public health emergencies. The lawsuit alleged negligence and violations of wage and sick-leave protections, as well as other state and federal claims.
The terms of the settlement were not disclosed, but John Philo, executive director of the Sugar Law Center, said it represents a major step forward for disaster workers who often face hazardous conditions with limited power to speak up. "It affirms that companies responding to disasters must prioritize worker safety, especially during public-health emergencies," he stated.
Saket Soni, executive director of Resilience Force, one of the organizations representing the workers, emphasized the importance of standing up for disaster-recovery workers' rights. The lawsuit aimed to uphold the right to health and safety at work, even during a pandemic, and its resolution confirms this right for everyone in Michigan.
The named defendants in the case included several contractors and subcontractors, including SERVPRO Industries LLC, Favreau, Wallace, Rush, Schmidt, Inc., and RACM, L.L.C.