CHICAGO — Packaging maker Amcor Rigid Plastics USA is among the latest companies to be hit with a class action lawsuit alleging they violated an Illinois biometrics privacy law by improperly scanning their workers' fingerprints.
Plaintiff David Cornejo, individually and on behalf of all others similarly situated, filed a complaint on Sept. 11 in Cook County Circuit Court, alleging violation of the Illinois Biometric Information Privacy Act. He is represented by attorneys Benjamin H. Richman and J. Eli Wade-Scott, of Edelson P.C., of Chicago.
According to the complaint, Cornejo became an employee of Amcor in January and was required to scan his fingerprint so that it could be used as an authentication method to track his time using the company's employee punch clocks.
However, plaintiff claims he and other employees were never informed of the specific limited purposed or length of time for which defendant collected, stored or used their fingerprints. He alleged he never signed a written release allowing Amcor to collect or store his and the class members' fingerprints, as was requided by the Illinois BIPA law.
Cornejo claims he was continuously and repeatedly exposed to the risks and harmful conditions created by Amcor's alleged violations.
Amcor, based in Australia, operates several manufacturing plants in Chicago's suburbs.
The plaintiff requests a trial by jury and seeks award of statutory damages of $1,000 per violation, plus injunctive and other equitable relief, attorney fees, pre and post-judgment interest, and other relief.
Circuit Court of Cook County Case number 18-CH-11424