In 2019, the top-10 workplace class action settlements in the United States totaled $1.32 billion. In 2020, that number increased to $1.58 billion. And in 2021, that total surged to a record high of $3.26 billion, serving as a reminder to companies of the importance of diligence in creating and communicating workplace policy. See, Judy Greenwald, “Workplace class-action settlements set mark in 2021,” Business Insurance, Jan. 4, 2022.

With a high demand for labor in the marketplace, more people are willing to report wage violations. They may see little downside to such an action—either the person reporting will get paid what they believe they have rightfully earned, or they will leave for a position at another company they are more satisfied with.