Case: JOHNSON v. STEELCASE, INC.

5:07-cv-00064 | U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Alabama

Filed Date: Jan. 9, 2007

Closed Date: 2009

Clearinghouse coding complete

Case Summary

On January 9, 2007, a female African-American employee of defendant filed a suit on her own behalf against defendant Steelcase, Inc. under the provisions of 42 U.S.C. § 2000e et seq. ("Title VII") and 42 U.S.C. § 1981in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Alabama, Northeastern Division. Thereafter, plaintiff filed a Motion for Leave to File a First Amended Complaint on January 24, 2008, adding class allegations. Plaintiff, represented by private counsel, asked the court for d…

On January 9, 2007, a female African-American employee of defendant filed a suit on her own behalf against defendant Steelcase, Inc. under the provisions of 42 U.S.C. § 2000e et seq. ("Title VII") and 42 U.S.C. § 1981in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Alabama, Northeastern Division. Thereafter, plaintiff filed a Motion for Leave to File a First Amended Complaint on January 24, 2008, adding class allegations. Plaintiff, represented by private counsel, asked the court for declaratory and injunctive relief, and compensatory and punitive damages, claiming that defendant demoted her because of her race or her sex, and defendant has engaged in a pattern and practice of discriminating against African-Americans on the basis of their race with respect to promotions.

On October 6, 2008, the Court certified a class consisting of black Americans employed by defendant who, between January 5, 2005, to the present

were/are employed by Steelcase, Incorporated in Production Technician positions and who were qualified but not selected for vacancies in permanent positions of Quality Specialists and Quality Control Technicians, Zone Leaders and Temporary Supervisors, and Production Specialists.

On November 26, 2008, the parties filed a Joint Motion for Preliminary Approval of a Class Action Settlement. On December 10, 2008, the Court (Judge U.W. Clemon) issued an Order approving the proposed settlement.

The Class Settlement Agreement provided declaratory and injunctive relief, implementation of a new selection process for higher level employees, monitoring, reporting. and training requirements, monetary relief for the named plaintiff and class members, a promotion for the named plaintiff, and attorney's fees and costs.

On January 28, 2009, the court dismissed the case.

Summary Authors

Kunyi Zhang (6/6/2010)

People

For PACER's information on parties and their attorneys, see: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/5516171/parties/johnson-v-steelcase-inc/


Judge(s)

Clemon, U. W. (Alabama)

Attorney for Plaintiff

Childs, Robert F. Jr. (Alabama)

Johnson, Herman N. Jr. (Alabama)

Attorney for Defendant

Bolling, Frederic A (Alabama)

Crews, Roslyn (Alabama)

Documents in the Clearinghouse

Documents in this case

5:07-cv-00064

Docket

Oct. 5, 2009

Oct. 5, 2009

Docket
1-1

5:07-cv-00064

Complaint

Jan. 8, 2007

Jan. 8, 2007

Complaint
14

5:07-cv-00064

First Amended Complaint

Feb. 19, 2008

Feb. 19, 2008

Complaint
31

5:07-cv-00064

Defendant Steelcase Inc.'s Motion to Dismiss and in Opposition to Class Certification

Sept. 9, 2008

Sept. 9, 2008

Pleading / Motion / Brief
32

5:07-cv-00064

Pretrial Order

Sept. 9, 2008

Sept. 9, 2008

Order/Opinion
38

5:07-cv-00064

Findings of Fact and Conclusion of Law on Plaintiff's Motion for Class Certification

Oct. 6, 2008

Oct. 6, 2008

Order/Opinion
39

5:07-cv-00064

Class Certification Order

Oct. 6, 2008

Oct. 6, 2008

Order/Opinion
66

5:07-cv-00064

Joint Motion for Preliminary Approval of a Class Action Settlement

Nov. 26, 2008

Nov. 26, 2008

Pleading / Motion / Brief
67

5:07-cv-00064

Order Preliminarily Approving Proposed Settlement

Dec. 10, 2008

Dec. 10, 2008

Settlement Agreement
69

5:07-cv-00064

Dismissal Order

Jan. 28, 2009

Jan. 28, 2009

Order/Opinion

Docket

See docket on RECAP: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/5516171/johnson-v-steelcase-inc/

Last updated April 7, 2025, 10:43 a.m.

ECF Number Date Description Link
1 Jan. 9, 2007

COMPLAINT with Exhibits 1 and 2 attached against defendant Steelcase, Inc. (Filing Fee $350.00 Paid) , filed by plaintiff Linda Johnson. (Attachments: #(1) Civil Cover Sheet)(SRJ, ) (Entered: 01/12/2007)

PACER
2 Jan. 9, 2007

Request for Service by Certified Mail filed by plaintiff Linda Johnson. (SRJ, ) (Entered: 01/12/2007)

PACER
Jan. 12, 2007

Summons Issued by Certified Mail as to defendant Steelcase, Inc., (SRJ, ) (Entered: 01/12/2007)

PACER
Jan. 18, 2007

SUMMONS Returned Executed upon dft Steelcase, Inc., served on 1/16/2007, answer due 2/5/2007. (SRJ, ) (Entered: 01/25/2007)

PACER
3 Feb. 5, 2007

ANSWER to Complaint by Steelcase, Inc..(Crews, Roslyn) (Entered: 02/05/2007)

PACER
4 Feb. 6, 2007

UNIFORM INITIAL ORDER governing all further proceedings − with appendices attached. Signed by Judge U W Clemon on February 6, 2007. (SRJ, ) (Entered: 02/06/2007)

PACER
5 April 10, 2007

REPORT of Rule 26(f) Planning Meeting. (Crews, Roslyn) (Entered: 04/10/2007)

PACER
6 April 11, 2007

SCHEDULING ORDER the dates AGREED to by the parties in their Planning Meeting are hereby ADOPTED; Except the following deadlines, Discovery due by 11/23/2007 and Dispositive Motions due by 12/21/2007.. Signed by Judge U W Clemon on April 11, 2007. (SRJ, ) (Entered: 04/11/2007)

PACER
7 Nov. 20, 2007

Joint MOTION for Extension of Time by Linda Johnson. (Sherrod, Henry) (Entered: 11/20/2007)

PACER
8 Nov. 26, 2007

ORDER granting 7 Motion for Extension of Time to complete discovery. Discovery due by FEBRUARY 21, 2008. Dispositive motions by MARCH 20, 2008. [THIS IS A TEXT ONLY DOCKET ENTRY − NO ATTACHED ORDER]. Signed by Judge U W Clemon on 11/26/07. (DJS, ) (Entered: 11/26/2007)

PACER
9 Jan. 24, 2008

NOTICE of Appearance by Robert F Childs, Jr on behalf of Linda Johnson (Childs, Robert) (Entered: 01/24/2008)

PACER
10 Jan. 24, 2008

NOTICE of Appearance by Herman N Johnson, Jr on behalf of Linda Johnson (Johnson, Herman) (Entered: 01/24/2008)

PACER
11 Jan. 24, 2008

MOTION for Leave to File first amended complaint by Linda Johnson. (Attachments: # 1)(Sherrod, Henry) (Entered: 01/24/2008)

PACER
13 Feb. 19, 2008

ORDER that plaintiff's 11 Motion for Leave to File an Amended Complaint is hereby GRANTED; Plaintiff SHALL FILE an Amended Complaint within Three (3) days. A Scheduling Conference will be held on Thursday, February 28, 2008 @ 2:30 pm at US Federal Courthouse in Birmingham, AL. Discovery is STAYED until Amended Scheduling Order is entered. Signed by Judge U W Clemon on February 19, 2008. (SRJ, ) (Entered: 02/19/2008)

PACER
14 Feb. 19, 2008

AMENDED COMPLAINT against all defendants, filed by Linda Johnson.(Sherrod, Henry) (Entered: 02/19/2008)

PACER
Feb. 19, 2008

Scheduling Conference SET for 2/28/2008 02:30 PM before Judge U W Clemon. (SRJ, ) (Entered: 02/19/2008)

PACER
15 Feb. 28, 2008

SCHEDULING ORDER:. Signed by Judge U W Clemon on 02/28/08. (Clemon, U) (Entered: 02/28/2008)

PACER
Feb. 28, 2008

Minute Entry for proceedings held before Judge U W Clemon: Scheduling Conference held on 2/28/2008. (KLL, ) (Entered: 02/28/2008)

PACER
16 Feb. 29, 2008

ORDER Correcting Feb 28, 2008, Scheduling Order: The Class Certification Hearing is hereby scheduled for 10:00 a.m. on Monday July 7, 2008, at the Decatur Courthouse.[THIS IS A TEXT ONLY DOCKET ENTRY − NO ATTACHED ORDER]. Signed by Judge U W Clemon on 2/29/08. (DJS, ) (Entered: 02/29/2008)

PACER
17 March 4, 2008

ANSWER to Amended Complaint by Steelcase, Inc..(Crews, Roslyn) (Entered: 03/04/2008)

PACER
18 April 17, 2008

MOTION for Protective Order by Steelcase, Inc.. (Attachments: # 1)(Crews, Roslyn) (Entered: 04/17/2008)

PACER
19 April 22, 2008

ORDER granting in part and denying in part 18 Def.'s Motion for Protective Order. Signed by Judge U W Clemon on 4/22/08. (DJS, ) (Entered: 04/22/2008)

PACER
20 June 9, 2008

ORDER − Setting conference call for Tuesday June 10, 2008, at 2:00 pm on parties request for extension of discovery deadlines. [THIS IS A TEXT ONLY DOCKET ENTRY − NO ATTACHED ORDER]. Signed by Judge U W Clemon on 6/9/08. (DJS, ) (Entered: 06/09/2008)

PACER
21 June 10, 2008

ORDER − extending discovery deadlines for thirty days. The Court will issue an order re−setting the class certification hearing and pre−trial conference. [THIS IS A TEXT ONLY DOCKET ENTRY − NO ATTACHED ORDER]. Signed by Judge U W Clemon on 6/10/08. (DJS, ) (Entered: 06/10/2008)

PACER
22 June 25, 2008

ORDER Re−Setting CLASS CERTIFICATION Hearing for Monday September 8, 2008 @ 10:30 a.m., in Huntsville. [THIS IS A TEXT ONLY DOCKET ENTRY − NO ATTACHED ORDER]. Signed by Judge U W Clemon on 6/25/08. (DJS, ) . (Entered: 06/25/2008)

PACER
23 July 21, 2008

ORDER SETTING PRE−TRIAL CONFERENCE. Plaintiff's counsel SHALL SUBMIT a proposed pre−trial order AS SET OUT in this Order. Pretrial Conference SET for 9/8/2008 @ 1:00 PM before Judge U W Clemon the Federal Courthouse, Huntsville, AL.. Signed by Judge U W Clemon on July 21, 2008. (SRJ, ) (Entered: 07/21/2008)

PACER
24 July 28, 2008

MOTION for Leave to File by Linda Johnson. (Attachments: # 1 second amended complaint, # 2 Exhibit, # 3 Exhibit)(Sherrod, Henry) (Entered: 07/28/2008)

PACER
25 July 31, 2008

ORDER denying 24 Motion for Leave to File. Signed by Judge U W Clemon on 07/31/08. (Clemon, U) (Entered: 07/31/2008)

PACER
26 Aug. 1, 2008

NOTICE of Appearance by Kenneth L Thomas on behalf of Steelcase, Inc. (Thomas, Kenneth) (Entered: 08/01/2008)

PACER
27 Aug. 20, 2008

NOTICE OF LOCATION CHANGE OF HEARINGS: The class certification hearing and pretrial conference, currently scheduled for September 8, 2008 at 10:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m., respectively, will be held in Decatur, Alabama before

PACER
29 Sept. 5, 2008

NOTICE of Appearance by Afrika C Parchman on behalf of Steelcase, Inc. (Parchman, Afrika) (Entered: 09/05/2008)

PACER
30 Sept. 5, 2008

NOTICE by Steelcase, Inc. Notice of Appearance for Frederic Bolling (Crews, Roslyn) (Entered: 09/05/2008)

PACER
Sept. 8, 2008

Minute Entry for proceedings held before Judge U W Clemon: Class Certification Hearing held on 9/8/2008. Testimony of plaintiff; plaintiff rests. Court in recess until 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, September 9, 2008. (Court Reporter Chanetta Sinkfield.) (KLL, ) (Entered: 09/09/2008)

PACER
31 Sept. 9, 2008

MOTION to Dismiss and in Opposition to Class Certification by Steelcase, Inc.. (Crews, Roslyn) (Entered: 09/09/2008)

PACER
32 Sept. 9, 2008

PRETRIAL ORDER. Signed by Judge U W Clemon on 09/09/08. (Clemon, U) (Entered: 09/09/2008)

PACER
Sept. 9, 2008

Minute Entry for proceedings held before Judge U W Clemon: Final Pretrial Conference held on 9/9/2008. (KLL, ) (Entered: 09/09/2008)

PACER
Sept. 9, 2008

Minute Entry for proceedings held before Judge U W Clemon: Class Certification Hearing held on 9/9/2008. Testimony by dft; dft rests. Oral argument by parties. The Court will enter a separate order. (Court Reporter Chanetta Sinkfield.) (KLL, ) (Entered: 09/09/2008)

PACER
33 Sept. 10, 2008

Evidentiary Material re: 31 MOTION to Dismiss and in Opposition to Class Certification . (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit, # 2 Exhibit, # 3 Exhibit, # 4 Exhibit)(Crews, Roslyn) (Entered: 09/10/2008)

PACER
34 Sept. 12, 2008

MOTION to Modify Pretrial Order by Steelcase, Inc.. (Crews, Roslyn) (Entered: 09/12/2008)

PACER
Sept. 12, 2008

Set Hearings: Jury Trial set for 11/10/2008 at 09:00 AM in Decatur, Alabama before Judge U W Clemon. (KLL, ) (Entered: 09/12/2008)

PACER
35 Sept. 26, 2008

DAMAGE list of Linda Johnson filed.. (Johnson, Herman) (Entered: 09/26/2008)

PACER
36 Oct. 2, 2008

MOTION to Compel Defendant To Provide Current Addresses and Telephone Numbers of Class Members to Plaintiffs' Counsel by Linda Johnson. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit Exhibit A, # 2 Exhibit Exhibit B, # 3 Exhibit Exhibit C, # 4 Exhibit Exhibit D)(Childs, Robert) (Entered: 10/02/2008)

PACER
37 Oct. 6, 2008

ORDER granting 36 Motion to Compel Def to disclose contact information for certain prospective class members. [THIS IS A TEXT ONLY DOCKET ENTRY − NO ATTACHED ORDER]. Signed by Judge U W Clemon on 10/6/08. (DJS, ) (Entered: 10/06/2008)

PACER
38 Oct. 6, 2008

MEMORANDUM OPINION -Certifying class.. Signed by Judge U W Clemon on 10/6/08. (DJS, )

RECAP
39 Oct. 6, 2008

ORDER certifying class.. Signed by Judge U W Clemon on 10/6/08. (DJS, ) (Entered: 10/06/2008)

PACER
40 Oct. 6, 2008

ORDER denying 31 Motion to Dismiss − consistent with Docs. 38/39. [THIS IS A TEXT ONLY DOCKET ENTRY − NO ATTACHED ORDER]. Signed by Judge U W Clemon on 10/6/08. (DJS, ) (Entered: 10/06/2008)

PACER
41 Oct. 6, 2008

ORDER denying 34 Motion. Signed by Judge U W Clemon on 10/06/08. (Clemon, U) (Entered: 10/06/2008)

PACER
43 Oct. 15, 2008

ORDER granting 42 Motion to Stay. Signed by Judge U W Clemon on 10/15/08. (Clemon, U) (Entered: 10/15/2008)

PACER
44 Oct. 16, 2008

First MOTION to Stay Motion To Modify The Order Granting Stay by Linda Johnson. (Childs, Robert) (Entered: 10/16/2008)

PACER
45 Oct. 16, 2008

RESPONSE to Motion re 42 MOTION to Stay, 44 First MOTION to Stay Motion To Modify The Order Granting Stay Corrected Motion to Modify the Order Granting Stay filed by Linda Johnson. (Childs, Robert) (Entered: 10/16/2008)

PACER
46 Oct. 16, 2008

RESPONSE in Opposition re 44 First MOTION to Stay Motion To Modify The Order Granting Stay filed by Steelcase, Inc.. (Crews, Roslyn) (Entered: 10/16/2008)

PACER
47 Oct. 19, 2008

ORDER rescinding 44 Motion to Stay. Signed by Judge U W Clemon on 10/19/08. (Clemon, U) (Entered: 10/19/2008)

PACER
48 Oct. 21, 2008

Transcript of CLASS CERTIFICATION HEARING Proceedings (Volumes I and II) held on 9/8/2008 and 9/9/2008, before Judge U.W. Clemon. Court Reporter/Transcriber Chanetta Sinkfield, Telephone number 205 278−2067. Transcript may be viewed at the court public terminal or purchased through the Court Reporter/Transcriber before the deadline for Release of Transcript Restriction. After that date it may be obtained through PACER. NOTICE: The parties have seven (7) calendar days to file with the Court a Notice of Intent to Request Redaction of this transcript. If no such Notice is filed, the transcript will be made remotely electronically available to the public without redaction after 90 calendar days. (See Transcript Redaction Policy) Redaction Request due 11/12/2008. Redacted Transcript Deadline set for 11/21/2008. Release of Transcript Restriction set for 1/19/2009. (Attachments: # 1 Transcript continued 9/9/2008, # 2 Signature page 1, # 3 Signature Certificate Page 2) (SRJ, ) (Entered: 10/21/2008)

PACER
49 Oct. 21, 2008

MOTION for Extension of Time to Submit Expert Report by Steelcase, Inc.. (Crews, Roslyn) (Entered: 10/21/2008)

PACER
50 Oct. 22, 2008

Opposition to Motion For Extension Of Time To Submit Expert Report filed by Linda Johnson. (Childs, Robert) (Entered: 10/22/2008)

PACER
51 Oct. 24, 2008

ORDER granting 49 Motion for Extension of Time. Signed by Judge U W Clemon on 10/24/08. (Clemon, U) (Entered: 10/24/2008)

PACER
52 Oct. 24, 2008

ORDER. Signed by Judge U W Clemon on 10/24/08. (Clemon, U) (Entered: 10/24/2008)

PACER
53 Oct. 27, 2008

Evidentiary Material DEFENDANTS EXPERT REPORT . (Crews, Roslyn) (Entered: 10/27/2008)

PACER
54 Nov. 3, 2008

Witness List Supplement by Linda Johnson. (Sherrod, Henry) (Entered: 11/03/2008)

PACER
55 Nov. 3, 2008

Exhibit List for Trial of Nov. 10, 2008 by Linda Johnson.. (Childs, Robert) (Entered: 11/03/2008)

PACER
56 Nov. 3, 2008

Witness List For Trial of Nov. 10, 2008 by Linda Johnson. (Childs, Robert) (Entered: 11/03/2008)

PACER
57 Nov. 3, 2008

Exhibit List by Steelcase, Inc... (Crews, Roslyn) (Entered: 11/03/2008)

PACER
58 Nov. 3, 2008

Witness List by Steelcase, Inc.. (Crews, Roslyn) (Entered: 11/03/2008)

PACER
59 Nov. 4, 2008

Exhibit List Plaintiffs' Amended Exhibit List for Trial by Linda Johnson.. (Childs, Robert) (Entered: 11/04/2008)

PACER
60 Nov. 4, 2008

Exhibit List Plaintiffs' Second Amended Exhibit List by Linda Johnson.. (Childs, Robert) (Entered: 11/04/2008)

PACER
61 Nov. 5, 2008

Exhibit List Amended and Supplemented by Steelcase, Inc... (Crews, Roslyn) (Entered: 11/05/2008)

PACER
63 Nov. 6, 2008

Exhibit List Defendant's Corrected Amended and Supplemented by Steelcase, Inc... (Crews, Roslyn) (Entered: 11/06/2008)

PACER
64 Nov. 6, 2008

APPEAL ORDER that the Petition to Appeal from the USDC−ND of AL is DENIED; Petitioner's Motion to Stay US District Court's proceedings pending US Court of Appeals' review of petition is DENIED AS MOOT Issued before USCA Circuit Judges DUBINA, CARNES and PRYOR. (SRJ, ) (Entered: 11/06/2008)

PACER
65 Nov. 19, 2008

ORDER. Signed by Judge U W Clemon on 11/19/08. (Clemon, U) (Entered: 11/19/2008)

PACER
66 Nov. 26, 2008

Joint MOTION for Preliminary Approval of a Class Action Settlement by Linda Johnson. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A − Settlement Agreement, # 2 Exhibit B − Preliminary Approval Order, # 3 Exhibit C − Court Ordered Notice, # 4 Exhibit D − Claim Form)(Johnson, Herman) (Entered: 11/26/2008)

PACER
67 Dec. 10, 2008

ORDER granting 66 Motion. Signed by Judge U W Clemon on 12/10/08. (Clemon, U) (Entered: 12/10/2008)

PACER
68 Jan. 20, 2009

AFFIDAVIT Declaration of Brian Collis with Attached Exhibit No. 1 by Linda Johnson. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit Exhibit No. 1)(Childs, Robert) (Entered: 01/20/2009)

PACER
69 Jan. 28, 2009

ORDER DISMISSING CASE based upon evidence presented at the Class Action Fairness Hearing held on 1/28/2009, the Court finds that the Settlement is fair, adequate, and reasonable. Each party shall comply with the terms of the Settlement Agreement. Signed by Judge U W Clemon on January 28, 2009. (SRJ, ) (Entered: 01/28/2009)

PACER
Jan. 28, 2009

Minute Entry for proceedings held before Judge U W Clemon: Fairness Hearing held on 1/28/2009. Separate order to be entered by the Court. (Court Reporter Sabrina Lewis.) (KLL, ) (Entered: 01/28/2009)

PACER
Oct. 5, 2009

Remark − Plaintiff's attorney will pickup Class Certificatin Hearing Depositions w/Exhibits contained in a box on 10/6/2009 per telephone converstion w/Ms Mary L. Blackwelder in attorney Robert Childs' office. (SRJ, ) (Entered: 10/05/2009)

PACER

Case Details

State / Territory:

Alabama

Case Type(s):

Equal Employment

Special Collection(s):

Multi-LexSum (in sample)

Private Employment Class Actions

Key Dates

Filing Date: Jan. 9, 2007

Closing Date: 2009

Case Ongoing: No

Plaintiffs

Plaintiff Description:

All black Americans who, between January 5, 2005, to the present were/are employed by Steelcase, Inc. who were qualified but not selected for vacancies in permanent positions.

Plaintiff Type(s):

Private Plaintiff

Public Interest Lawyer: Unknown

Filed Pro Se: No

Class Action Sought: Yes

Class Action Outcome: Granted

Defendants

Private Entity/Person

Steelcase, Inc.

Case Details

Causes of Action:

42 U.S.C. § 1981

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

Other Dockets:

Northern District of Alabama 5:07-cv-00064

Available Documents:

Complaint (any)

Injunctive (or Injunctive-like) Relief

Monetary Relief

Trial Court Docket

Outcome

Prevailing Party: Plaintiff OR Mixed

Relief Granted:

Damages

Injunction / Injunctive-like Settlement

Source of Relief:

Settlement

Form of Settlement:

Court Approved Settlement or Consent Decree

Content of Injunction:

Discrimination Prohibition

Follow recruitment, hiring, or promotion protocols

Monitoring

Post/Distribute Notice of Rights / EE Law

Promotion

Provide antidiscrimination training

Reporting

Retaliation Prohibition

Utilize objective hiring/promotion criteria

Amount Defendant Pays: 620,500

Order Duration: 2009 - 2009

Issues

General/Misc.:

Pattern or Practice

Discrimination Area:

Demotion

Disparate Treatment

Promotion

Discrimination Basis:

Race discrimination

Sex discrimination

Affected Race(s):

Black

Affected Sex/Gender(s):

Female

EEOC-centric:

Direct Suit on Merits

Recommended Citation