Case: Jones v. R.R. Donnelley & Sons

1:96-cv-07717 | U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois

Filed Date: Nov. 25, 1996

Closed Date: May 25, 2005

Clearinghouse coding complete

Case Summary

On November 25, 1996, a group of African-American, current and former employees of a Chicago manufacturing division filed a lawsuit under 42 U.S.C.S. § 1981, as amended by the Civil Rights Act of 1991, 105 Stat. 1071 against R.R. Donnelley & Sons Company in United States District Court Northern District of Illinois. The plaintiffs, represented by private counsel, asked the court for injunctive and declaratory relief and damages, alleging that the defendant racially discriminated against the pl…

On November 25, 1996, a group of African-American, current and former employees of a Chicago manufacturing division filed a lawsuit under 42 U.S.C.S. § 1981, as amended by the Civil Rights Act of 1991, 105 Stat. 1071 against R.R. Donnelley & Sons Company in United States District Court Northern District of Illinois. The plaintiffs, represented by private counsel, asked the court for injunctive and declaratory relief and damages, alleging that the defendant racially discriminated against the plaintiffs. Specifically, the plaintiffs contended that upon closing the Chicago Manufacturing Division (CMD) the defendants choose to transfer only White employees of the CMD to other divisions within the nation-wide company. The plaintiffs also alleged systematic company wide racial discrimination against African-Americans, whereby the defendant kept African-American employees in temporary or part-time positions that received lower pay and fewer benefits, and always fired African-Americans first because they primarily held these types of temporary positions.

A protracted discovery lasting over two years was run primarily by a Magistrate Judge. On February 11, 1999, the Court (Magistrate Judge Levin) recommended that the defendant's motion for summary judgment be granted. While the Court used evidence and arguments surrounding allegations of company-wide discrimination, according to the Court, the thrust of the dispute between the parties surrounds the actual date of the CMD shutdown, as it relates to the statute of limitations surrounding the plaintiffs' Section 1981(b) claim. Jones v. R.R. Donnelley & Sons, 33257839 WL 1 (N.D.I.L. 1999).

The exact date of the CMD shutdown was debated, as certain workers were laid off or left prior to its close, and all work was not transferred until the plant ceased all operations on July 31, 1994. According to the Court (Magistrate Judge Levin), the defendants argued that the applicable limitations period for claims brought under 42 U.S.C. § 1981 in Illinois is Illinois' two-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims. The Court agreed. Jones v. R.R. Donnelley & Sons, 33257839 WL 5 (N.D.I.L. 1999).

The plaintiffs argued several rebuttals to this point. The Court (Magistrate Judge Levin) summarized them as follows: (1) the CMD shutdown was but one of many violations by the defendant of 42 U.S.C. § 1981(b) in its systematic pattern and practice of discrimination (i.e. "continuing violation") against its African-American employees which continued through the litigation; (2) in the alternative, the plaintiffs argued that the appropriate statute of limitations for a Section 1981(b) claim is the four-year statute of limitations stipulated in 28 U.S.C. § 1658; (3) as a second alternative, the plaintiffs argued that the doctrines of equitable estoppel and/or equitable tolling applied for those plaintiffs and class members who were terminated since, at least, November 1992; and therefore those plaintiffs and class members terminated at CMD after November, 1992, should have been allowed to remain in the case. Jones v. R.R. Donnelley & Sons, 33257839 WL 6 (N.D.I.L. 1999).

The Court (Magistrate Judge Levin) did not find any of these arguments persuasive. For one, those acts took place outside of the limitations period and, again, did not allow plaintiffs to rely on the "continuing violation" doctrine. But, as the Court stated, most importantly, Section 1981(b) is the result of a 1991 amendment to the Civil Rights Act of 1866, which was passed under the Civil Rights Act of 1991. Jones v. R.R. Donnelley & Sons, 33257839 WL 8 (N.D.I.L. 1999). However, while acknowledging the good argument raised by the plaintiff, the Court decided that Section 1658's plain language provides that the four-year limitation period applies only to an act of Congress "enacted" after 1990, as distinguished from "amended." Jones v. R.R. Donnelley & Sons, 33257839 WL 9 (N.D.I.L. 1999).

On August 17, 1999, the Court (Judge Williams) decided on the Magistrate's recommendations. Most important of these decisions was denying the motion for summary judgment. The Court believed by examining the facts of this case under the summary judgment standard and drawing all reasonable inferences in plaintiffs' favor, a reasonable juror could find that the doctrine of equitable tolling applies. The plaintiffs had submitted admissible evidence that Donnelley secretly transferred many of its white employees while terminating its African-American employees during the shutdown of the CMD. Jones v. R.R. Donnelley & Sons, 639180 WL 2 (N.D.I.L. 1999). After more discovery and proceedings under a magistrate, the case back to the District Court Judge.

On April 6, 2001, the Court (Judge Kennelly) made several key rulings. First, the Court consolidated the Jones case with a similar suit against R.R. Donnelley for pretrial purposes. In the other case, Adams v. R.R. Donnelley & Sons, the plaintiffs came from a wide range of Donnelley divisions across the country. They alleged in their amended complaint that Donnelley discriminated against its African-American workers in every aspect of their employment since at least 1965. Jones v. R.R. Donnelley & Sons, 336830 WL 1 (N.D.I.L. 2001).

In the other important order, the Court (Judge Kennelly) certified three separate classes, and one class consisted of subclasses that were legally treated as individual classes. First, was a class of all African-Americans who were employed at the CMD and who were discharged during the shutdown of that division and were not transferred to another Donnelley division. Second, was a class of all African-Americans who were employed at the CMD at any time from November 1992 to the present as non-regular employees (including temporary, casual, contract, contingent, task force, etc.). The third was a class of all African-American employees of R.R. Donnelley who worked at (a) the Dwight division; (b) the Pontiac division; (c) the Chicago Financial Division; or (d) the Chicago Manufacturing Division from November 1992 to the present and were subjected to racial harassment so pervasive as to create a hostile working environment ((a), (b), (c), and (d) are each separate subclasses). Jones v. R.R. Donnelley & Sons, 336830 WL 20 (N.D.I.L. 2001). While the classes were certified, and the case seemed to be going well for the plaintiffs, the decisive issue before the court was still the confusion over the statue of limitations being either two or four years of coverage. Both parties urged the court to resolve this issue before further proceedings.

On June 8, 2001, the Court (Judge Kennelly) ruled that the four-year statute of limitations in § 1658 governs those claims created by the Civil Rights Act of 1991; the state personal injury statute of limitations, which in Illinois is two years, governs those claims created by the pre-1991 version of § 1981. Jones v. R.R. Donnelley & Sons, 149 F.Supp.2d 459 (N.D.I.L. 2001). In essence, the Court ruled in favor of the plaintiffs, giving them the right to continue the suit under a four year "catch-all" statute of limitations. The defendants appealed the decision.

On September 16, 2002, the United Stated Court of Appeals for the 7th District (Judge Ripple, Judge Kanne, Judge Evans) reversed and remanded the District Court of the Northern District of Illinois' decision. The Appellate Court justified its decision because the 1991 act merely amended the text of the cause of action of § 1981, rather than creating a wholly new cause of action. As such, Congress did not create new legislation in this regard, and thus, the two year statute of limitations should apply. Jones v. R.R. Donnelley & Sons, 305 F.3d 717 (7th Circuit 2002).

On November 1, 2002, the plaintiff's appeal to the 7th Circuit Court for a rehearing en banc was decided on. The Court ruled en banc denying the motion for a retrial.

On March 31, 2003, the parties reached a settlement agreement for the classes of the Adams suit, and the Court (Judge Kennelly) approved the settlement. Thus, all that remained for adjudication were classes one, two and subclass (d) of the third class. As the case was going through its final discovery and pretrial periods, the plaintiffs were waiting on the Supreme Court to possibly hearing their case.

On April 19, 2003, the United States Supreme Court (Judge Rehnquist, Judge Stevens, Judge O'Connor, Judge Scalia, Judge Kennedy, Judge Souter, Judge Thomas, Judge Ginsburg, Judge Breyer) granted the plaintiff's petition for the writ of certiorari to the United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit. Jones v. R.R. Donnelley & Sons, 123 U.S. 2074 (2003).

On May 5, 2004, the United States Supreme Court (Justice Stevens) unanimously reversed and remanded the Court of Appeals ruling. Jones v. R.R. Donnelley & Sons, 541 U.S. 15 (2004). The Court stated that the hostile work environment, wrongful termination, and failure-to-transfer claims all arose under the 1991 Act, in the sense that petitioner's causes of action were made possible by that act. The Supreme Court, therefore, sided with the District Court's interpretation of the statutes. Jones v. R.R. Donnelley & Sons, 541 U.S. 13 (2004).

Soon, after this ruling, the parties moved to settle. On November 20, 2004, the District Court (Judge Hennelly) approved the final settlement, worth a reported $15 million. The case was closed on May 21, 2005.

Summary Authors

Matthew Aibel (4/9/2008)

People

For PACER's information on parties and their attorneys, see: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/5144601/parties/jones-v-r-r-donnelley-sons/


Judge(s)

Andersen, Wayne R. (Illinois)

Bobrick, Edward A. (Illinois)

Attorney for Plaintiff

Alexander, Daniel S. (Illinois)

Attorney for Defendant

Abram, Thomas G. (Illinois)

Brock, Amy Pope (Wisconsin)

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Documents in the Clearinghouse

Document

1:96-cv-07717

Docket (PACER)

Nov. 25, 1996

Nov. 25, 1996

Docket

1:98-cv-04025

Adams v. R.R. Donnelley & Sons Docket Later consolidated

June 30, 1998

June 30, 1998

Docket

1:96-cv-07717

Magistrate's report and recommendation

Feb. 11, 1999

Feb. 11, 1999

Order/Opinion
46

1:96-cv-07717

Order denying summary judgment and reversing Magistrate's report

Aug. 13, 1999

Aug. 13, 1999

Order/Opinion
99

1:96-cv-07717

Order consolidating cases and certifying classes

April 6, 2001

April 6, 2001

Order/Opinion
107

1:96-cv-07717

Order granting four-year statute of limitations

June 8, 2001

June 8, 2001

Order/Opinion

1:96-cv-07717

7th Circuit Court of Appeals order reversing and remanding District Court's decision

U. S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit

Sept. 16, 2002

Sept. 16, 2002

Order/Opinion

1:96-cv-07717

US Supreme Court decision reversing and remanding 7th Circuit of Appeals' decision

Supreme Court of the United States

May 5, 2004

May 5, 2004

Order/Opinion

Resources

Docket

See docket on RECAP: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/5144601/jones-v-r-r-donnelley-sons/

Last updated Feb. 23, 2024, 3 a.m.

ECF Number Description Date Link Date / Link
1

COMPLAINT; jury demand - Civil cover sheet - Appearance(s) of Suzanne McCarthy, H. Candace Gorman as attorney(s) for plaintiffs with Rule 39 affidavit for H. Candace Gorman only ( 1 original and 1 copy summons(es) issued.) ( Documents: 1-1 through 1-4) (yap) (Entered: 12/04/1996)

Nov. 25, 1996

Nov. 25, 1996

PACER

RECEIPT regarding payment of filing fee paid; on 11/25/96 in the amount of $ 120.00, receipt # 483911. (yap)

Nov. 25, 1996

Nov. 25, 1996

PACER

Text not available.

Dec. 2, 1996

Dec. 2, 1996

PACER
7

RETURN OF SERVICE executed upon defendant R R Donnelley & Sons on 11/25/96 (Temporarily unavailable for docketing.) (yap) (Entered: 01/02/1997)

Dec. 2, 1996

Dec. 2, 1996

PACER
2

ANSWER to amended complaint by defendant (fce) (Entered: 12/18/1996)

Dec. 17, 1996

Dec. 17, 1996

PACER
3

REQUEST by defendant for initial status conference (fce) (Entered: 12/18/1996)

Dec. 17, 1996

Dec. 17, 1996

PACER
4

ATTORNEY APPEARANCE for defendant by Richard H. Schnadig, Thomas G. Abram, Lawrence L. Summers, Grady B. Murdock Jr., J. Paula Roderick with rule 39 affidavits. (fce) (Entered: 12/18/1996)

Dec. 17, 1996

Dec. 17, 1996

PACER
8

MOTION by plaintiffs for class certification and to file memorandum in excess of 15 pages ; Notice of motion (fce) (Entered: 01/16/1997)

Dec. 17, 1996

Dec. 17, 1996

PACER
9

MEMORANDUM by plaintiffs in support of motion for class certification [8-1] (Exhibits) (fce) (Entered: 01/16/1997)

Dec. 17, 1996

Dec. 17, 1996

PACER
5

MINUTE ORDER of 12/19/96 by Hon. Ann C. Williams : Status hearing set for 01/10/97 at 9:00 a.m. Granting defendant's request for initial status conference [3-1]. Mailed notice (fce) (Entered: 12/20/1996)

Dec. 19, 1996

Dec. 19, 1996

PACER
10

MOTION by defendant for partial summary judgment and briefing schedule ; Notice of motion (fce) (Entered: 01/16/1997)

Jan. 8, 1997

Jan. 8, 1997

PACER
11

MEMORANDUM by defendant in support of motion for partial summary judgment [10-1] (Attachment) (fce) (Entered: 01/16/1997)

Jan. 8, 1997

Jan. 8, 1997

PACER
12

RULE 12(M) Statement of material facts as to which there is no dispute by defendant (fce) (Entered: 01/16/1997)

Jan. 8, 1997

Jan. 8, 1997

PACER
13

APPENDIX filed by defendant in support of motion for partial summary judgment [10-1] (fce) (Entered: 01/16/1997)

Jan. 8, 1997

Jan. 8, 1997

PACER

SCHEDULE set on 1/10/97 by Hon. Ann C. Williams : Status hearing is stricken. Pretrial conference set to 10:30 a.m. 1/13/97 Telephoned notice (dl)

Jan. 10, 1997

Jan. 10, 1997

PACER
14

MINUTE ORDER of 1/13/97 by Hon. Ann C. Williams : Pretrial conference held; continued to 02/05/97 at 9:00 a.m. Plaintiffs' motion for class certification [8-1] and defendant's motion for partial summary judgment [10-1] are denied without prejudice. Plaintiffs' motion to file memorandum in excess of 15 pages [8-2] instanter, is granted. Defendant's motion to enter briefing schedule [10-2] is denied as moot. Mailed notice (fce) (Entered: 01/16/1997)

Jan. 13, 1997

Jan. 13, 1997

PACER
17

MOTION by plaintiffs for mandatory injunction enjoining R.R. Donnelley from destroying computer evidence, racial graffiti, intimidating witnesses and other relief (Exhibits); Notice of motion (hp) (Entered: 01/31/1997)

Jan. 17, 1997

Jan. 17, 1997

PACER

SCHEDULE set on 1/22/97 by Hon. Ann C. Williams : Pretrial conference reset to 10:00 a.m. 2/5/97 Mailed notice (dl)

Jan. 22, 1997

Jan. 22, 1997

PACER
15

RESPONSE by R. R. Donnelley & Sons Company to plaintiff's "motion for mandatory injunction" (Exhibits) (hp) (Entered: 01/28/1997)

Jan. 27, 1997

Jan. 27, 1997

PACER
16

REPLY by plaintiffs' to plaintiff's motion for mandatory injunction enjoining R.R. Donnelley from destroying computer evidence, racial graffiti, intimidating witnesses and other relief (Exhibits); Notice of filing (hp) (Entered: 01/30/1997)

Jan. 28, 1997

Jan. 28, 1997

PACER
18

MINUTE ORDER of 1/29/97 by Hon. Ann C. Williams : Plaintiffs' motion for a mandatory injunction is referred to Magistrate Judge Edward A. Bobrick for an expeditious hearing. [17-1] While the motion is pending, the court instructs defendant to send a revised memorandum to its division directors and human resource managers, as detailed on the reverse side of this order. (See reverse of minute order) Mailed notice (hp) (Entered: 01/31/1997)

Jan. 29, 1997

Jan. 29, 1997

PACER

SCHEDULE set on 1/29/97 by Hon. Ann C. Williams : Status hearing set to 9:15 2/5/97 . Pretrial conference set for 2/5/97 is stricken. No notice (dl)

Jan. 29, 1997

Jan. 29, 1997

PACER
19

RENEWED MOTION by defendant R. R. Donnelley & Sons for leave to file its motion for partial summary judgment and briefing schedule (Exhibit); Notice of motion (hp) (Entered: 02/10/1997)

Jan. 31, 1997

Jan. 31, 1997

PACER
20

MINUTE ORDER of 2/5/97 by Hon. Ann C. Williams : Status hearing held; continued to 02/12/97 at 9:30 a.m. Defendant's renewed motion for leave to file its motion for partial summary judgment is continued to 02/12/97 at 9:30 a.m. [19-1] [19-2] Plaintiffs are given leave to file an amended complaint by 02/07/97. No notice (hp) (Entered: 02/10/1997)

Feb. 5, 1997

Feb. 5, 1997

PACER
21

SECOND AMENDED COMPLAINT [6-1] by plaintiffs; jury demand; Notice of filing (hp) (Entered: 02/11/1997)

Feb. 7, 1997

Feb. 7, 1997

PACER
22

RENEWED MOTION by plaintiffs for class certification ; Notice of motion (hp) (Entered: 02/19/1997)

Feb. 7, 1997

Feb. 7, 1997

PACER
23

MINUTE ORDER of 2/12/97 by Hon. Ann C. Williams : Status hearing held. Hearing on plaintiffs renewd motion for class certification and defendant's renewed motion for leave to file its motion for partial summary judgment to be held before Magistrate Judge. [19-1] [22-1] (referral to follow) Parties to file a joint written status report on or before 04/18/97. Mailed notice (hp) (Entered: 02/19/1997)

Feb. 12, 1997

Feb. 12, 1997

PACER
24

ANSWER to plaintiff's second amended complaint by defendant (fce) (Entered: 02/24/1997)

Feb. 21, 1997

Feb. 21, 1997

PACER

SCHEDULE set on 3/5/97 by Hon. Edward A. Bobrick : Status hearing set before Magistrate Judge Bobrick in Courtroom 1812 for 10:00 3/13/97 . Mailed notice (tmh)

March 5, 1997

March 5, 1997

PACER

SCHEDULE set on 3/13/97 by Hon. Edward A. Bobrick : Status hearing held. No notice (tmh)

March 13, 1997

March 13, 1997

PACER
26

MINUTE ORDER of 3/14/97 by Hon. Edward A. Bobrick : Plaintiffs' motion for a mandatory injunction is set for hearing on 04/30/97 at 10:30 a.m. [17-1] Each party is to submit a prehearing brief setting forth (1) what facts it intends to prove, detailing the proofs intended for introduction at the hearing to support a particular factual assertion, and (2) any appropriate citations relating to the availability of the relief sought in plaintiffs petition. The prehearing brief will be due 04/23/97. Mailed notice (hp) (Entered: 03/20/1997)

March 14, 1997

March 14, 1997

PACER
25

REFERRAL ORDER of 03/14/97: Case referred to Hon. Edward A. Bobrick pursuant to General Rule 2.41(b). To conduct hearings and enter appropriate orders on the following pretrial motion/matter: Discovery supervision. To perform such additional duties as are not inconsistent with the constitution and laws of the United States, as specifically set forth: conduct necessary proceedings and issue Report and Recommendation on the plaintiffs renewed motion for class certification and defendants renewed moiton for leave to file its motion for partial summary jdugment. (For further details see order) Mailed notice (hp) (Entered: 03/19/1997)

March 17, 1997

March 17, 1997

PACER
38

MOTION by plaintiffs to compel discovery (Exhibits); Notice of motion. (Temporarily unavailable for docketing.) (hp) Modified on 05/07/1997 (Entered: 05/07/1997)

April 16, 1997

April 16, 1997

PACER
27

STATUS REPORT by defendant (hp) (Entered: 04/21/1997)

April 18, 1997

April 18, 1997

PACER
28

STATUS REPORT by plaintiffs (Exhibits); Notice of filing (hp) (Entered: 04/23/1997)

April 18, 1997

April 18, 1997

PACER
29

RESPONSE by defendant to plaintiffs' status report (Attachment) (hp) (Entered: 04/23/1997)

April 21, 1997

April 21, 1997

PACER
30

RESPONSE by defendant to plaintiffs' motion to compel responses to plaintiffs' interrogatories to defendant (Attachment) (hp) (Entered: 04/23/1997)

April 21, 1997

April 21, 1997

PACER
39

MOTION by defendant to compel plaintiffs' to answer interrogatories (Attachment); Notice of motion. (Temporarily unavailable for docketing.) (hp) Modified on 05/07/1997 (Entered: 05/07/1997)

April 21, 1997

April 21, 1997

PACER
31

MINUTE ORDER of 4/22/97 by Hon. Ann C. Williams : Parties to file written status report on or before 06/30/97. Mailed notice (hp) (Entered: 04/23/1997)

April 22, 1997

April 22, 1997

PACER
32

PREHEARING MEMORANDUM by R.R. Donnelley & Sons Company's on plaintiffs' motion for mandatory injunction (Exhibits) (hp) (Entered: 04/25/1997)

April 23, 1997

April 23, 1997

PACER

ORAL MOTION by all plaintiffs to withdraw their motion for mandatory preliminary injunction hearing (hp)

April 24, 1997

April 24, 1997

PACER

ORAL MOTION by defendant to withdraw their motion to compel (hp)

April 24, 1997

April 24, 1997

PACER
33

MINUTE ORDER of 4/24/97 by Hon. Edward A. Bobrick : Plaintiffs' motion to compel is entered and continued subject to the 12K conference with the court. Defendant is given leave to file a response to plaintif's motion to compel by 04/29/97. Plaintiffs' oral motion to withdraw their motion for mandatory preliminary injunction hearing is granted and the motion is withdrawn. [0-1] Preliminary injunction hearing set for 04/30/97 at 10:00 a.m. is hereby stricken. [17-1] Defendant's oral motion to withdraw defendant's motion to compel is granted and the motion is hereby withdrawn. [0-1] Defendant's motion for summary judgment as to the statute of limitations is to be refiled by 04/25/97. Plaintiffs' response is to be filed by 05/27/97. Defendant's reply is to be filed by 06/09/97. Court supervised 12K conference is set for Wednesday, 04/30/97 at 2:00 p.m. Mailed notice (hp) (Entered: 04/29/1997)

April 24, 1997

April 24, 1997

PACER
34

MOTION by defendant for partial summary judgment (hp) (Entered: 05/01/1997)

April 25, 1997

April 25, 1997

PACER
35

APPENDIX filed by defendant in support of its motion for partial summary judgment [34-1] (Attachment) (hp) (Entered: 05/01/1997)

April 25, 1997

April 25, 1997

PACER
36

MEMORANDUM by defendant in support of their motion for partial summary judgment [34-1] (Attachment) (hp) (Entered: 05/01/1997)

April 25, 1997

April 25, 1997

PACER
37

STATEMENT by defendant of material facts as to which there is no dispute (hp) (Entered: 05/01/1997)

April 25, 1997

April 25, 1997

PACER

SCHEDULE set on 4/30/97 by Hon. Edward A. Bobrick : Status hearing/12K conference held. No notice (tmh)

April 30, 1997

April 30, 1997

PACER
40

MINUTE ORDER of 5/1/97 by Hon. Edward A. Bobrick : Plaintiffs' motion to compel has accomplished a response from defendant to plaintiffs' request for production of documents, and to plaintiffs' interrogatories, and [38-1] [39-1] as such their motion is now moot. On April 30, 1997, the court held a supervised Local Rule 12k conference with the parties to discuss their discovery differences, as identified in defendant's responses. Any further disputes concerning the above mentioned discovery will be by motion; the parties are found to have complied with the conference requirement of Local Rule 12k. Mailed notice (hp) (Entered: 05/07/1997)

May 1, 1997

May 1, 1997

PACER

Text not available.

May 7, 1997

May 7, 1997

PACER
41

ATTORNEY APPEARANCE for all plaintiffs by Suzanne McCarthy (hp) (Entered: 05/10/1997)

May 7, 1997

May 7, 1997

PACER

REFERRAL ORDER of 6/5/97: Case referred to Hon. Ian H. Levin No notice (fce)

June 9, 1997

June 9, 1997

PACER

SCHEDULE set on 6/11/97 by Hon. Ian H. Levin : Initial status hearing set to 9:30 a.m. 7/2/97 in courtroom 2494. Enclosed is the Court's procedure of filing joint status report. Mailed notice (smm)

June 11, 1997

June 11, 1997

PACER
45

STATUS REPORT by defendants (yap) (Entered: 07/16/1997)

June 14, 1997

June 14, 1997

PACER
42

AGREED MOTION by plaintiffs for continuance of status hearing ; Notice of motion (yap) (Entered: 06/18/1997)

June 16, 1997

June 16, 1997

PACER
43

MINUTE ORDER of 6/17/97 by Hon. Ian H. Levin : Status hearing continued to 10:15 a.m. on 7/16/97. Plaintiff's agreed motion for continuance of status hearing is granted [42-1]. Mailed notice (yap) (Entered: 06/18/1997)

June 17, 1997

June 17, 1997

PACER
44

MINUTE ORDER of 6/20/97 by Hon. Edward A. Bobrick: Pursuant to the Executive Committee order dated 6/5/97, this case has been reassigned from the calendar of Magistrate Judge Bobrick to the calendar of Magistrate Judge Levin. Any pending dates before Magistrate Judge Bobrick are hereby stricken and will be reset by Magistrate Judge Levin. Mailed notice (yap) (Entered: 06/20/1997)

June 20, 1997

June 20, 1997

PACER
46

MOTION by plaintiff to extend time to file responsive brief ; Notice of motion (yap) (Entered: 07/17/1997)

June 23, 1997

June 23, 1997

Clearinghouse

SCHEDULE set on 7/16/97 by Hon. Ian H. Levin : Status hearing held; continued to 10:15 a.m. 8/20/97. Plaintiff to submit their written status report before next status. Mailed notice (smm)

July 16, 1997

July 16, 1997

PACER
47

MINUTE ORDER of 7/16/97 by Hon. Ian H. Levin: Plaintiff's motion to extend time to file responsive brief [46-1] is entered and continued generally. No notice (yap) (Entered: 07/17/1997)

July 16, 1997

July 16, 1997

PACER

SCHEDULE set on 8/20/97 by Hon. Ian H. Levin : Status hearing held; continued to 10:15 a.m. 9/12/97 . Mailed notice (smm)

Aug. 20, 1997

Aug. 20, 1997

PACER
48

TRANSCRIPT of proceedings for the following date(s): 3/13/97, 4/24/97 and 4/30/97 Before Honorable Magistrate Judge Edward A. Bobrick (3 vols: 48-1 through 48-3) (yap) (Entered: 08/21/1997)

Aug. 20, 1997

Aug. 20, 1997

PACER
49

MINUTE ORDER of 8/25/97 by Hon. Ann C. Williams: Plaintiffs' motion for mandatory injunction enjoining R.R. Donnelley from destroying computer evidence, racial graffiti, intimidating witnesses and other relief [17-1] was withdrawn, and defendant's renewed motion for leave to file its motion for partial summary judgment [19-1] and set briefing schedule [19-2] was in effect granted, in Judge Bobrick's minute order dated 4/24/97 33 . No notice (yap) (Entered: 08/29/1997)

Aug. 25, 1997

Aug. 25, 1997

PACER
50

AGREED MOTION by plaintiffs for continuance of status hearing ; Notice of motion (yap) (Entered: 09/10/1997)

Sept. 4, 1997

Sept. 4, 1997

PACER
51

MINUTE ORDER of 9/9/97 by Hon. Ian H. Levin: Plaintiffs' agreed motion for continuance of status hearing set for 9/12/97 [50-1] is granted. Status hearing set for 9/12/97 is stricken and reset to 10/6/97 at 9:30 a.m. Mailed notice (yap) (Entered: 09/10/1997)

Sept. 9, 1997

Sept. 9, 1997

PACER
52

MINUTE ORDER of 9/10/97 by Hon. Ian H. Levin: Plaintiff's renewed motion for class certification [22-1] is stricken as premature without prejudice to reinstate. No notice (yap) (Entered: 09/11/1997)

Sept. 10, 1997

Sept. 10, 1997

PACER
53

MINUTE ORDER of 10/2/97 by Hon. Ian H. Levin: The plaintiffs' renewed motion for class certification [22-1] is hereby reinstated. No notice (yap) (Entered: 10/03/1997)

Oct. 2, 1997

Oct. 2, 1997

PACER
54

MINUTE ORDER of 10/6/97 by Hon. Ian H. Levin: Plaintiff to file response to defendants' motion for partial summary judgment by 12/18/97 [34-1]. Defendant to file its reply by 12/29/97. Leave is granted to attorney Catherine Caporusso to file an appearance. Status hearing held; continued to 1/12/98 at 9:30 a.m. Mailed notice (yap) (Entered: 10/08/1997)

Oct. 6, 1997

Oct. 6, 1997

PACER

Text not available.

Oct. 6, 1997

Oct. 6, 1997

PACER
57

ATTORNEY APPEARANCE for plaintiffs by Catherine Caporusso (meg) (Entered: 10/17/1997)

Oct. 6, 1997

Oct. 6, 1997

PACER
55

MINUTE ORDER of 10/7/97 by Hon. Ian H. Levin: Defendant's motion for partial summary judgment [34-1] is denied as premature without prejudice to reinstate upon ripeness. No notice (yap) (Entered: 10/08/1997)

Oct. 7, 1997

Oct. 7, 1997

PACER
56

MINUTE ORDER of 10/9/97 by Hon. Ian H. Levin: Plaintiff's motion for renewed class certification [22-1] is denied without prejudice with leave to reinstate. No notice (yap) (Entered: 10/09/1997)

Oct. 9, 1997

Oct. 9, 1997

PACER
58

MINUTE ORDER of 11/12/97 by Hon. Ian H. Levin : Plaintiff's renewed motion for class certification [22-1] is hereby reinstated. Defendant's motion for partial summary judgment [34-1] is hereby reinstated. No notice (meg) (Entered: 11/13/1997)

Nov. 12, 1997

Nov. 12, 1997

PACER
60

MOTION by plaintiffs to enlarge for filing responsive brief to defendants motion for summary judgment (Exhibits); Notice of motion (hp) (Entered: 12/11/1997)

Dec. 3, 1997

Dec. 3, 1997

PACER
59

RESPONSE by defendants to plaintiff's motion to enlarge time [46-1] and to compel (Exhibits) (yap) (Entered: 12/09/1997)

Dec. 8, 1997

Dec. 8, 1997

PACER
61

MINUTE ORDER of 12/9/97 by Hon. Ian H. Levin : Status hearing held set for 03/04/98 at 9:30 a.m. Plaintiff's motion to enlarge for filing responsive brief to defendants motion for summary judgment is granted [60-1]. [46-1] Plaintiff final response is due by 02/09/98. Defendants reply due by 02/23/98. Status hearing of 01/12/98 is hereby vacated. Plaintiffs motion to compel discovery and motion for sanctions is granted in part and denied in part as stated of record. Mailed notice (hp) (Entered: 12/11/1997)

Dec. 9, 1997

Dec. 9, 1997

PACER
65

MOTION by defendant R R Donnelley & Sons for protective order (Exhibits) (meg) (Entered: 04/08/1998)

Feb. 20, 1998

Feb. 20, 1998

PACER
66

RESPONSE by defendant R R Donnelley & Sons to plaintiff's motion to strike (Exhibit) (meg) (Entered: 04/08/1998)

Feb. 20, 1998

Feb. 20, 1998

PACER
67

MOTION by defendant R R Donnelley & Sons to strike defendants' motion for partial summary judgment (Exhibits); Revised Notice of motion (meg) (Entered: 04/08/1998)

Feb. 23, 1998

Feb. 23, 1998

PACER
62

MINUTE ORDER of 2/24/98 by Hon. Ian H. Levin : Defendant's motion for partial summary judgment is withdrawn [34-1] without prejudice as premature. Plaintiff's renewed motion for class certification is withdrawn [22-1] without prejudice as premature with leave to reinstate after ruling on defendant's motion for partial summary judgment. No notice (meg) (Entered: 02/25/1998)

Feb. 24, 1998

Feb. 24, 1998

PACER
68

REVISED NOTICE of motion by defendant R R Donnelley & Sons regarding motion for protective order [65-1] (meg) (Entered: 04/08/1998)

Feb. 24, 1998

Feb. 24, 1998

PACER

SCHEDULE set on 3/4/98 by Hon. Ian H. Levin : Status hearing held; continued to 9:30 a.m. 3/30/98 . Mailed notice (smm)

March 4, 1998

March 4, 1998

PACER
63

MOTION by defendant R R Donnelley & Sons to rescedule pending motions ; Notice of motion (meg) (Entered: 04/06/1998)

March 24, 1998

March 24, 1998

PACER

SCHEDULE set on 3/30/98 by Hon. Ian H. Levin : Status hearing set for 3/30/98 is hereby vacated. No notice (smm)

March 30, 1998

March 30, 1998

PACER
64

MINUTE ORDER of 4/3/98 by Hon. Ian H. Levin : Defendant RR Donnelley & Sons motion to rescedule pending motions is granted [63-1] to and including 4/7/98. No notice (meg) (Entered: 04/06/1998)

April 3, 1998

April 3, 1998

PACER
6

AFFIDAVIT of Candace Gorman regarding motion for sanctions [72-1] and motion reply [72-1] (Exhibits) (yap) (Entered: 04/09/1998)

April 3, 1998

April 3, 1998

PACER
71

RESPONSE by defendant to plaintiffs' reply in support of motion to strike defendant's partial summary judgment motion and plaintiffs' request for sanctions (Exhibits) (yap) (Entered: 04/09/1998)

April 6, 1998

April 6, 1998

PACER
69

MOTION by plaintiffs to correct docket sheet (Exhibits); Notice of motion (meg) (Entered: 04/08/1998)

April 7, 1998

April 7, 1998

PACER
70

MINUTE ORDER of 4/7/98 by Hon. Ian H. Levin : Plaintiffs' motion to strike defendants' motion for partial summary judgment is denied [67-1]. Defendant to file affidavit of production on or before 4/21/98. Plaintiffs' motion to correct docket sheet is granted [69-1]. Defendant's motion for protective order is granted [65-1]. Status hearing set for 4/27/98 at 10:15 a.m. No notice (meg) (Entered: 04/08/1998)

April 7, 1998

April 7, 1998

PACER
72

AFFIDAVIT of Thomas G. Abram of compliance with plaintiffs' discovery requests; Notice of filing (meg) Modified on 05/14/1998 (Entered: 04/20/1998)

April 17, 1998

April 17, 1998

PACER
80

OBJECTIONS by plaintiffs to Magistrate's Ruling (Exhibits); Notice of motion (meg) (Entered: 05/18/1998)

April 21, 1998

April 21, 1998

PACER
73

MINUTE ORDER of 4/27/98 by Hon. Ian H. Levin : Status hearing held and continued to 7/29/98 at 9:30 a.m. Plaintiff's response to defendant's motion for partial summary judgment to be filed by 6/19/98; reply 7/20/98. No notice (yap) Modified on 05/14/1998 (Entered: 04/28/1998)

April 27, 1998

April 27, 1998

PACER
77

JOINT MOTION by parties to correct docket sheet ; Notice of motion (meg) Modified on 05/14/1998 (Entered: 05/14/1998)

April 29, 1998

April 29, 1998

PACER
74

RESPONSE by defendant R R Donnelley & Sons to plaintiffs' objections to magistrate's ruling (Attachments) (Exhibits) (meg) Modified on 05/14/1998 (Entered: 05/05/1998)

May 1, 1998

May 1, 1998

PACER

SCHEDULE set on 5/5/98 by Hon. Ann C. Williams : Status hearing set to 9:00 a.m. 6/12/98 before Judge Williams . Status hearing set to 9:30 a.m. 7/29/98 before Magistrate Judge Levin . Mailed notice (dl)

May 5, 1998

May 5, 1998

PACER
75

REPLY by plaintiffs to objections to Magistrate's ruling (Exhibits); Certificate of service and Notice of filing (yap) Modified on 05/14/1998 (Entered: 05/06/1998)

May 5, 1998

May 5, 1998

PACER
76

MINUTE ORDER of 5/6/98 by Hon. Ann C. Williams : The court overrules plaintiffs' objections to Magistrate Judge Levin's ruling denying their motion to strike; however, the court vacates the briefing schedule set by Magistrate Judge Levin. The Court orders defendant to produce additional discovery materials by 6/5/98 and before the parties proceed with defendant's motion for summary judgment. The parties must appear before the court on Monday, 6/8/98 at 9:30 a.m. for a status hearing. (See reverse of minute order.) Mailed notice (meg) Modified on 05/14/1998 (Entered: 05/08/1998)

May 6, 1998

May 6, 1998

PACER
209

MINUTE ORDER of 5/6/98 by Hon. Matthew F. Kennelly : The court overrules plaintiffs' objections to Magistrate Judge Levin's ruling denying their motion to strike; however, the court vacates the briefing schedule set by Magistrate Judge Levin. The court orders defendant to produce additional discovery materials by 6/5/98 and before the parties to proceed with defendant's motion for summary judgment. The parties must appear before the court on Monday, June 8th at 9:30 a.m. for a status hearing. (See reverse of minute order.) Mailed notice (rmm) (Entered: 01/25/2001)

May 6, 1998

May 6, 1998

PACER
78

MINUTE ORDER of 5/12/98 by Hon. Ian H. Levin : Parties joint motion to correct docket sheet [77-1] is taken under advisement. No notice (meg) (Entered: 05/14/1998)

May 12, 1998

May 12, 1998

PACER
79

MINUTE ORDER of 5/13/98 by Hon. Ian H. Levin : The parties joint motion to correct docket sheet is denied [77-1] for the reasons and on the basis stated of record on 5/12/98 and 4/27/98. Mailed notice (meg) (Entered: 05/14/1998)

May 13, 1998

May 13, 1998

PACER

Case Details

State / Territory: Illinois

Case Type(s):

Equal Employment

Special Collection(s):

Private Employment Class Actions

Key Dates

Filing Date: Nov. 25, 1996

Closing Date: May 25, 2005

Case Ongoing: No

Plaintiffs

Plaintiff Description:

African-American Employees from various manufacturing plants or divisions across the county, (too long for this space)

Plaintiff Type(s):

Private Plaintiff

Public Interest Lawyer: No

Filed Pro Se: No

Class Action Sought: Yes

Class Action Outcome: Granted

Defendants

R.R. Donnelley & Sons Company (Chicago), Private Entity/Person

Defendant Type(s):

Retailer

Case Details

Causes of Action:

42 U.S.C. § 1981

Title VII (including PDA), 42 U.S.C. § 2000e

Available Documents:

Trial Court Docket

Any published opinion

U.S. Supreme Court merits opinion

Outcome

Prevailing Party: Plaintiff

Nature of Relief:

Injunction / Injunctive-like Settlement

Damages

Source of Relief:

Settlement

Form of Settlement:

Court Approved Settlement or Consent Decree

Order Duration: 2004 - 2004

Issues

General:

Pattern or Practice

Discrimination-area:

Disparate Treatment

Discharge / Constructive Discharge / Layoff

Harassment / Hostile Work Environment

Other Conditions of Employment (including assignment, transfer, hours, working conditions, etc)

Pay / Benefits

Discrimination-basis:

Race discrimination

Race:

Black

Affected Sex or Gender:

Female

Male