“There is no potential for conflict, as plaintiffs will only succeed if the classes also succeed,” Mahone and Tole emphasize. “Plaintiffs are well-informed about the litigation, have and will continue to act in the best interests of the classes, and will participate in the litigation as needed.”
Amazon Workers Military Leave Class: From Class Action to Amazon Workers’ Struggles
The genesis of this class action lawsuit dates back to Mahone, who was in the employ of Amazon from July to October 2020. Mahone, along with another former worker, Dain Olson, initially filed the proposed class action. However, Olson’s claims were excised from the lawsuit in April by U.S. District Judge Marsha J. Pechman. Judge Pechman ruled that Olson had waited too long to file his lawsuit, given that he hadn’t worked for Amazon since 2016.
Notably, Judge Pechman had also found that Mahone initially lacked standing. Yet, her perseverance and an amended complaint proved her standing and strengthened her case.
Amazon’s Alleged Transgressions
Mahone’s ordeal stemmed from Amazon’s facility in Bessemer, Alabama. The company allegedly terminated her for taking excessive unpaid time off to fulfill her obligations as a member of the Alabama National Guard. Amazon contended that her dismissal was due to an administrative error and even offered her more than $47,000 in back and front wages. Nevertheless, Mahone maintained that she had requested reinstatement just eight days after her termination but was unjustly rebuffed by the company.
