JPMorgan Dads Win $5 Million Settlement for Parental Leave Bias

An Ohio federal court approved a $5 million nationwide settlement between JPMorgan Chase Bank and a group of male employees who claimed the bank’s paid parental leave policy unfairly discriminated against dads.

The settlement resolves a class action brought by Derek Rotondo, who was denied JPMorgan’s 16-week parental leave benefit for “primary caregivers” because his wife hadn’t yet gone back to work and could care for their child. Rotondo alleged that the policy was biased against fathers because it presumed that a child’s birth mother was the primary caregiver.

Approximately 5,035 class members will equally divide $3.2 million of the total settlement fund, after certain deductions. Members who had more than one child during the relevant period are entitled to compensation for each claim. An estimated 1,440 valid claims were submitted, making each worth about $2,300.

Rotondo, as the class representative, will receive a $20,000 service award. Class counsel was granted about $1.66 million in attorneys’ fees and costs.

In addition to monetary relief, JPMorgan also agreed to maintain a gender-neutral parental leave policy, preserve the amount of provided parental leave for four years, conduct parental leave policy training, and monitor and provide data on the policy’s implementation for two years.

The settlement is fair, adequate, and reasonable, the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Ohio said Nov. 20, granting final approval. The court also certified the class, which includes JPMorgan male employees from 18 states and the District of Columbia.

Outten & Golden LLP and the American Civil Liberties Union Women’s Rights Project represent Rotondo and the class. Jenner & Block LLP and Ulmer & Berne LLP represent JPMorgan.

The case is Rotondo v. JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., 2019 BL 447837, S.D. Ohio, Civil Action 2:19-cv-2328, 11/20/19.