PRESS RELEASE

May 10, 2023

On May 9, 2023, a jury determined that employees of East Penn Manufacturing should have been allocated more paid time for putting on and taking off uniforms. The jury also found that East Penn did not act in a knowing or reckless disregard of the law.

Before the trial started, the Department of Labor claimed that the company owed employees over $214 million in back wages. Instead, the jury determined that the back wages owed to uniformed employees (who worked for East Penn in Lyon Station, Pennsylvania from November 2015 to September of 2021) is $22.25 million.

East Penn had made every effort to comply with the laws as it understood them. As a company, it stands behind the time paid to employees to put on and take off uniforms and to shower. The company believes it provided proper compensation for these activities and was fair in determining the reasonable time required to perform them.

The amount of the ultimate judgement is subject to further argument to the trial judge and adjustment. In addition, either the DOL or East Penn may file an appeal.

East Penn appreciates the time and attention of the jurors over the course of this lengthy and complex trial. East Penn greatly appreciates its family of employees who diligently work to support and sustain the company and provide the essential products that help power people’s lives.