CHICAGO — A line worker has filed a class-action lawsuit against Highland Baking Co., claiming they violated their workers' rights under Illinois law by making them scan their fingerprints to punch in and out of work shifts, and also shorted them overtime pay.
Teodoro Ontiveros, individually and on behalf of all others similarly situated, filed a complaint on Feb. 15 in Cook County Circuit Court against Highland Baking, alleging the company violated the Illinois Minimum Wage Law and Biometric Information Privacy Act.
According to the complaint, between June 2014 and August 2018, Ontiveros worked for Highland as a line worker. Along with the other employees, he was allegedly not compensated for time spent donning and doffing the required safety gear during the workday, depriving them of earned overtime wages.
Plaintiff also claims defendant collects their biometric identifiers and biometric information through its timekeeping system without a written release, allowing Highland Baking Co. to collect or store their fingerprint and/or handprint.
The plaintiff requests a trial by jury and seeks injunctive and other equitable relief; award of liquidated damages; litigation expenses; attorneys' fees; costs; pre and post-judgment interest; and further relief. He is represented by Lorraine Peeters and Madeline Engel of Caffarelli & Associates Ltd. in Chicago.
Cook County Circuit Court Case No. 19-CH-02062.