Attorney General Kwame Raoul has announced a $1.8 million settlement with Metro Staff Inc., resolving allegations of no-poach agreements and wage fixing with two other staffing agencies. The settlement aims to compensate temporary workers affected by these practices.
"This settlement prioritizes compensation for workers because they are the ones most impacted by these agreements that limit wages and job opportunities," Raoul stated. "When employers conspire to keep wages down, Illinois workers and their families suffer."
The lawsuit, filed in 2020, accused Metro Staff, Elite Staffing Inc., Midway Staffing Inc., and their client Colony Display LLC of forming a no-poach agreement. The alleged agreement involved refusing to hire each other's employees and fixing wages. Colony Display was said to have facilitated communication between the parties.
Raoul's office previously reached settlements with Colony Display for $1.2 million in 2023 and Elite Staffing for $1.5 million in August 2024.
Under the terms approved by Cook County Circuit Court Judge Joel Chupack, Metro Staff will pay $1.8 million primarily for compensating affected temporary workers. The company is also required to implement compliance measures ensuring workers can choose their employers freely and prohibiting future antitrust violations.
This settlement is part of Raoul's broader efforts against unlawful employment practices restricting employee rights. A similar lawsuit against other staffing agencies and Vee Pak LLC remains pending. Additionally, Raoul led a bipartisan coalition opposing no-poach agreements through federal litigation.
Workers who believe their rights have been violated are encouraged to contact Raoul’s Workplace Rights Hotline at 1-844-740-5076 or file a complaint via the Attorney General’s website.
The case was managed by Bureau Chief Elizabeth Maxeiner, Assistant Attorneys General Jennifer Coronel and Brian Yost from Raoul’s Antitrust Bureau, and Bureau Chief Alvar Ayala from Raoul’s Workplace Rights Bureau.