Swire Coca-Cola Workers to Receive $672 Payout in $2M Settlement
Over 2,000 Swire Coca-Cola employees in Washington are set to receive automatic $672 payments following a class-action settlement over noncompete policies.
POLICY WIRE — Draper, Utah — More than 2,000 current and former employees of Swire Coca-Cola USA are slated to receive automatic payments of approximately $672 each as part of a $2 million class-action settlement. The legal action stems from allegations that the company unlawfully prohibited lower-paid staff members from pursuing secondary employment.
Eligible workers do not need to submit a claim form to receive the funds, provided the settlement secures final court approval. While the estimated payout is $672.54, the final figure may fluctuate slightly once court-sanctioned fees and administrative expenses are subtracted from the total.
Swire Coca-Cola USA, an independent bottling partner headquartered in Draper, Utah, maintains a workforce of over 8,000 people. The company manages the production, packaging, and distribution of beverages across 13 Western states, including Washington.
The settlement applies to individuals who worked for the company in Washington between September 9, 2022, and March 10, 2026. To qualify, employees must have earned less than twice the applicable Washington state minimum hourly wage during their tenure.
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The lawsuit contended that Swire utilized employment policies and noncompete agreements that improperly restricted lower-wage staff from holding additional jobs or engaging in independent contract work. Washington state law strictly limits the ability of employers to impose such restrictions on workers earning below that specific wage threshold.
Although Swire Coca-Cola has agreed to the settlement to resolve the litigation, the company denies any wrongdoing. Most eligible recipients will receive their checks automatically at their address on file, though workers may visit the settlement website to update their mailing information or select a digital payment method.
The deadline for updating contact details, opting out of the settlement, or filing an objection is November 2. A final approval hearing is set for November 13, with payments expected to be distributed roughly 60 days following a favorable court decision.
The $2,003,000 settlement fund is designed to compensate approximately 2,003 class members. The total amount also accounts for service awards for named plaintiffs, legal fees, and administrative costs.
Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)
