Cy Pres Funds

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Elena Zhukova

Cy Pres Funding Allocation

CY PRES FUNDS ALLOCATION TO HealthyWorkplaces

Cy Pres funds are unclaimed or leftover funds at the resolution of class-action cases. These funds result when class members cannot be located, cannot be identified, or are unable or unwilling to claim their shares of the settlement or judgment. The courts may also order that the funds not be distributed to class members if the cost of disbursement is greater than the amount of the settlement or judgment. The doctrine is rooted in the law of trusts where the courts attempt to give effect to intent of the trust by putting the funds to the next best use1.

The State of California has passed laws that permit these funds to be allocated in ways “to further the purposes of the underlying causes of action, or to promote justice for all [citizens of the state].”The funds must be directed toward (1) a charity that supports projects that benefit either the class or “similarly situated persons,” (2) an organization that “promote[s] the law consistent with the objectives and purposes of the underlying cause of action,” (3) a child advocacy program, or (4) a legal services organization for the indigent. Also, if the class action is a multi-state or national case brought under California law, the residual funds must be distribute to “provide substantial or commensurate benefit to California consumers.”


1 “Cy Pres…Say what? State laws governing disbursement of residual class-action funds.” E.C. Baker & L.M. Barron. Jones Day,

2 Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 384; N.C. Gen. Stat. § 1-267.10 (2009)

HealthyWorkplaces satisfies these requirements and is a perfect option for distribution of Cy Pres settlement proceeds. HealthyWorkplaces promotes change in organizations for purposes of employee health and well-being. The Center’s focus includes employee health and well-being on a variety of issues, including:

  • Equality and fairness in the distribution of company resources includingcompensation, benefits, tools and equipment, training and development,advancement opportunities, workspace area, privacy, and recognition programsacross for all employees regardless of:
    • Race
    • Color
    • National origin
    • Religion
    • Sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions)
    • Disability: Physical or mental
    • Age (40 and older)
    • Genetic information
    • Marital status
    • Sexual orientation and identity
    • AIDS/HIV
    • Medical condition

    • Political activities or affiliations

    • Military or veteran status

    • Status as a victim of domestic violence, assault, or stalking

  • Organizational policies and procedures that prohibit discrimination, harassmentand unfair treatment;

  • Regulatory compliance regarding wage/hour, employment, and occupational healthand safety laws;

  • Reduction of toxicity in materials employees are exposed to in the workplace;

  • Improvement and use of ergonomic features and equipment that lower thelikelihood of injury on the job;

  • The design of workspaces to promote social connections, employee engagementand a sense of community;

  • Nutritional food and food counseling; and

  • Access to health resources (EAP) and healthcare.

The Center’s activities are designed to:

  • Provide scientific knowledge on how to promote employee’s physical, psycho-social, and emotional health and well-being.
  • Help employers design workplaces and develop policies and practices thatsupport employee health and well-being, and reduce stress, dissatisfaction,illness, injury, and disease.
  • Help employers positively impact productivity, employee health status,healthcare costs, employee safety, absenteeism and turnover, and can enable employees to do their best work.

Relevant Class Actions

HealthyWorkplaces would be appropriate for receipt of Cy Pres funds in the following types of class action lawsuits:

  • Wage and hour violations (misclassification, overtime, off-the-clock work, minimumwage)
  • Race, Gender, Religion, Disability, Pregnancy, Veterans, National Origin, SexualOrientation, Gender Identity, Gender Expression and Age discrimination in hiring,termination, advancement, compensation, vacation and other employmentdecisions
  • Toxic material spills, releases, and exposures
  • Occupational health and safety violations
  • Genetic information
  • Reasonable accommodation claims
  • Sexual harassment, hostile work environment claims
  • Workers compensation claims
  • Work-related accidents and injuries
  • Work-related diseases and death claims
  • Wrongful termination claims
  • Retaliation claims
  • Meal and rest breaks violations
  • Leaves of absence, PTO
  • Hate crimes, workplace violence
  • NLRB violations
  • Social network violations
  • Whistleblower claims
  • First Amendment rights violations
  • Collective bargaining agreements
  • Equal Protection Clause violations