Parents Own Responsibility for Their Child’s Education, but Lack Accurate Picture of Their Child’s Progress, According to New National Survey
National Education and Parent Organizations Support Parents with New English- and Spanish-Language Resources in Time for Back-to-School
WASHINGTON, Aug. 1, 2017 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — For the second year in a row, a new national survey finds that nine in 10 K-8 parents say their child is performing at or above grade level in reading and math, when only a third of students are achieving at that level, according to 2015 National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) data.
“Parents 2017: Unleashing Their Power & Potential,” a national survey of K-8 parents released today by Learning Heroes in collaboration with Univision, and in partnership with National PTA, National Urban League, UNCF, and UnidosUS, also shows that while parents are confident about their children’s academics, they are increasingly anxious about other issues, from their child’s happiness and emotional well-being, to peer pressure, bullying, and more. Still, they have very high expectations for their children, with a full 75% expecting their child to get a two- or four-year college degree.
“As a mother of two teen boys, this disconnect is a heartbreaking wake-up call,” says Bibb Hubbard, founder of Learning Heroes. “Parents are all in when it comes to their children’s happiness and success, owning the responsibility for how well their children perform in school. The data clearly show that most parents lack an accurate picture of their children’s progress. We believe it’s because so much of what parents receive about their child’s progress is indecipherable—filled with edu-jargon, confusing terms, and often lacking actionable information they need to fulfill their commitment to support their children’s learning and growth.”
The survey also finds that a majority of parents (66%) say their child is doing above average academically, 77% rate their schools highly, and more than 80% rate the job their teachers are doing highly, from communicating about academic achievement, to outlining expectations for learning, to informing key concepts they are learning, and more.
But the survey reveals a wobbly foundation beneath today’s academic perceptions. This year, more parents worry about their child being on track academically and gaining skills and knowledge to prepare for college than last year. Two in five parents are not highly confident their child will be prepared to enter and succeed in college, and once informed about NAEP scores, more than one quarter of parents concede it is likely their child is performing below grade level now.
A majority of parents say they would find resources and information helpful in supporting their child’s academic success, including a detailed explanation of what their child is expected to learn over the course of the year, activities to improve English and math skills, tips on how to advocate for their child, and homework support. Hispanic parents—especially Spanish-dominant parents—and African-American parents express the greatest interest in resources.
“Clearly, there is a real and urgent need to bridge the gulf between the information parents are provided about their child’s progress and their child’s actual level of achievement,” said Jim Accomando, president of National PTA. “This research shows that parents want to be equipped with proper information and tools so they can be the stewards they aspire to be and raise their children to be happy, productive, and successful adults.”
In response to Parents 2017 findings, and to provide parents with the back-to-school tools they need to guide their children’s learning, Learning Heroes joined forces with National PTA and Scholastic to create the Super 5 Back-to-School Power Moves. This tool focuses on five core actions parents can take as part of their everyday routine. It links to resources such as the Readiness Roadmap, which includes information on academic expectations, financing college, life skills for kids, parent-teacher communications, learning tools, and more. The Super 5 and Readiness Roadmap are available in both English and Spanish and can be found at bealearninghero.org.
Parents 2017 is a poll of more than 1,400 parents of public school students in K-8 to better understand parents’ mindsets about their children’s education. The survey was conducted in English and Spanish and included oversamples of African-American and Hispanic parents. This is the second year of the survey, which was funded by Carnegie Corporation of New York and Charles & Lynn Schusterman Family Foundation.
Additional findings:
- By a ratio of 3:2, parents say it is more important that their child be happy and not overly stressed by school than do well academically. Hispanic parents are more likely to emphasize academics, with 55% saying happiness is more important and 44% saying academics are more important.
- Education is not a major factor when parents think about their child’s happiness today, but it comes into play when they think about their child’s happiness and well-being as an adult.
- Parents place primary responsibility for their child’s success on themselves and their child. Only 12% of all parents said schools (teachers, principal, district leaders) have the greatest responsibility. Parents tend to shift the burden from themselves to their child when their child reaches middle school.
- Among the 39% of parents who think their child struggled academically at some point, more than half did not feel highly confident they could support their child’s learning.
- Parents rely on report card grades more than state tests to gauge their child’s academics. 66% of parents say report cards grades provide a more accurate picture of their child’s achievement than annual state tests.
About Learning Heroes
Learning Heroes informs and equips parents to help their children succeed in school. We start by listening to parents and meeting them where they are with easy-to-understand information, tools, and resources. Our partners include Common Sense Media, GreatSchools, National PTA, National Urban League, UNCF, UnidosUS, Univision Communications Inc., and others.
About the Study
Hart Research Associated conducted this national survey among 1,423 parents of public school children in grades K-8. It includes a nationally representative survey of 813 elementary and middle school parents. It includes oversamples among Hispanics (to yield 293 Spanish-dominant Hispanic parents and 266 English-dominant Hispanic parents) and African Americans (to yield 280 African-American parents). The online survey was conducted March 22 to April 6, 2017, and was offered in both English and Spanish. The survey was administered by GfK, using their KnowledgePanel©, a probability-based Web panel designed to be representative of the United States. The survey has a margin of error of +3.2 percentage points for all parents. Sample tolerances for subgroups are larger.
SOURCE Learning Heroes
Patient Guide: Foot Changes During Pregnancy
ROSEMONT, Illinois, Aug. 1, 2017 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Many women experience foot changes during pregnancy. The size of the feet may increase and the arches may become flatter. Some women also notice instability in their feet or ankles. For some these changes are temporary and pass after giving birth, but others notice permanent foot changes that affect the shoes they are able to wear.
Why does pregnancy affect the feet? Think weight gain and hormonal shifts.
“Normal pregnancy weight gain can cause changes in the way a woman walks and lead to instability, and fluid build-up in the lower extremities makes the feet larger,” says Sudheer Reddy, MD, a foot and ankle orthopaedic specialist in Frederick, Md. “Hormonal changes also make the ligaments of the foot looser, which in turn affects arch height and foot length.”
What can pregnant women do about uncomfortable foot changes? Foot and ankle orthopaedic specialists offer several suggestions.
“Compression stockings can help reduce swelling,” says Reddy, “as can regular walking and low-impact exercise. Proper hydration and frequent calf stretching can also help reduce foot and ankle discomfort during pregnancy.”
To learn more about how feet change during pregnancy, visit the Foot Changes During Pregnancy page at FootCareMD.org, the patient education site of the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS).
About Foot and Ankle Orthopaedic Surgeons
Foot and ankle orthopaedic foot and ankle surgeons are medical doctors (MD and DO) who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment, both surgical and nonsurgical, of musculoskeletal disorders and injuries of the foot and ankle. Their education and training consists of four years of medical school, five years of post-graduate residency and often a fellowship year of specialized surgical training. These specialists treat patients of all ages and perform reconstructive surgery for deformities and arthritis, treat sports injuries, and manage foot and ankle trauma.
About the AOFAS
As the professional organization of foot and ankle orthopaedic surgeons, the AOFAS supports the specialty and other healthcare providers through evidence-based and best-practice education and research. The Society provides leadership in foot and ankle surgery, serving as a resource for government and industry as well as the national and international healthcare communities, and promotes preventive foot and ankle care.
Contact:
AOFAS Executive Office
Office: 847-698-4654
[email protected]
Logo – http://mma.prnewswire.com/media/321380/american_orthopaedic_foot___ankle_society.jpg
Logo – http://mma.prnewswire.com/media/328804/american_orthopaedic_foot___ankle_society.jpg
SOURCE American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society
Toyota to Collaborate with the American Center for Mobility
TRAVERSE CITY, Mich., July 31, 2017 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Toyota Motor North America (TMNA) and the Toyota Research Institute (TRI) announced today their intent to support the American Center for Mobility (ACM) as a Founder-level sponsor with a $5 million contribution.
As an ACM contributor, Toyota will be a member of a government-industry team which supports ACM initiatives to create a large-scale test environment in Southeast Michigan where various companies can test their Connected and Automated Vehicle (CAV) technologies. Toyota believes the creation of this unique test environment will help support the development acceleration of innovative CAV technologies, because it allows technologies testing under a safe and controlled environment.
Toyota believes this initiative will foster further innovation through collaboration with government and academic partners. Toyota hopes that ACM serves as a catalyst for safer and more efficient transportation solutions with vehicles equipped with advanced CAV technologies.
“We are excited to be the first automaker joining this effort to create a test ground for advanced vehicle technologies in our backyard,” said Jeff Makarewicz, Group Vice President Safety and Vehicle Performance at TMNA Research & Development Center in Ann Arbor, Mich. “Together with industry and government partners, we would like to set a direction to realize connected and automated vehicles to help improve safety and mobility.”
“As we move forward with the development of autonomous cars, we must remember that not all test miles are created equal,” said Gill Pratt, CEO of Toyota Research Institute. “The road to creating a car as safe, or safer, than a human driver will require billions of test miles including simulation, real-world driving on public roads, and closed-course testing where we can expose our systems to extreme circumstances and conditions. The new ACM closed-course facility is a significant step forward in this journey and will accelerate our ability to help prevent crashes and save lives.”
“I’m excited about our collaboration with Toyota,” said John Maddox, President and CEO of the American Center for Mobility at Willow Run. “Today’s announcement is another example of Toyota’s forward-looking vision and ability to move quickly on developing this potentially beneficial connected and automated technology.”
“Toyota’s long history of research and development in Michigan is impressive, as is their continuing commitment to this state and its people,” said Governor Rick Snyder. “Thanks to Toyota’s collaboration with ACM, Michigan can continue to maintain its momentum as a global leader in the ever-expanding transition from being the automotive capital to being the mobility capital.”
“Toyota deserves our thanks and praise for this significant investment in the American Center for Mobility,” said Congresswoman Debbie Dingell of Michigan. “This is not only an investment in ACM, but is another strong sign that Michigan continues to lead the way in the future of mobility and innovation. Toyota has long been a responsible corporate partner in Michigan and this is yet another example of their commitment to our state and our workers.”
About Toyota Motor North America
Toyota Motor North America, Inc. (TMNA), headquartered in Plano, Texas, brings together Toyota’s marketing, sales, engineering and manufacturing arms in North America. It is wholly owned by Toyota Motor Corporation. Toyota (NYSE:TM) has been a part of the cultural fabric in the U.S. and North America for 60 years, and is committed to advancing sustainable, next-generation mobility through our Toyota and Lexus brands. During that time, Toyota has created a tremendous value chain as our teams have contributed to world-class design, engineering, and assembly of more than 33 million cars and trucks in North America, where we operate 14 manufacturing plants (10 in the U.S.) and directly employ more than 46,000 people (more than 36,000 in the U.S.). Our 1,800 North American dealerships (nearly 1,500 in the U.S.) sold almost 2.7 million cars and trucks (2.45 million in the U.S.) in 2016 – and about 85 percent of all Toyota vehicles sold over the past 15 years are still on the road today.
Toyota partners with community, civic, academic, and governmental organizations to address our society’s most pressing mobility challenges. We share company resources and extensive know-how to support non-profits to help expand their ability to assist more people move more places. For more information about Toyota, visit www.toyotanewsroom.com.
About Toyota Research Institute
Toyota Research Institute is a wholly owned subsidiary of Toyota Motor North America under the direction of Dr. Gill Pratt. The company, established in 2015, aims to strengthen Toyota’s research structure and has four initial mandates: 1) enhance the safety of automobiles, 2) increase access to cars to those who otherwise cannot drive, 3) translate Toyota’s expertise in creating products for outdoor mobility into products for indoor mobility, and 4) accelerate scientific discovery by applying techniques from artificial intelligence and machine learning. TRI is based in the United States, with offices in Los Altos, Calif., Cambridge, Mass., and Ann Arbor, Mich. For more information about TRI, please visit www.tri.global.
About The American Center for Mobility
The American Center for Mobility is a non-profit testing, education and product development facility for future mobility, designed to enable safe validation and self-certification of connected and automated vehicle technology, and to accelerate the development of voluntary standards. ACM is part of the Planet M collaborative that represents Michigan’s unique infrastructure and leading role in transforming how people and goods are transported. Planet M members include public-private partnerships and collaborative programs with the common goal of positively contributing to the reinvention of the transportation industry. To learn more about ACM, please visit www.acmwillowrun.org.
Media Contacts:
Brian R. Lyons
Sr. Manager, Corporate Communications
Toyota Motor North America
[email protected]
(469) 292-3573
John Hanson
Director, Communications & Public Affairs
Toyota Research Institute
[email protected]
(657) 331-1291
American Center for Mobility Media Contact:
Jenni Omness
(248) 203-8142
[email protected]
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SOURCE Toyota Motor North America
AXE® “Clears the Air” on Confusion Between Body Sprays and Dry Sprays
ENGLEWOOD CLIFFS, New Jersey, July 31, 2017 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — According to research, 64% of young guys think body spray and antiperspirant dry sprays are the same thing*. Fact check – they’re not. With 1 in 2 guys thinking that they should apply body spray to their underarms,* enough is enough! AXE wants to clear the air on the right ways to spray.
Video – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=11sA19KCxL8&spfreload=5
Photo – http://mma.prnewswire.com/media/540651/AXE_Gold_AP_Dry_Spray.jpg
Photo – http://mma.prnewswire.com/media/540653/AXE_YOU_Body_Spray.jpg
Logo – http://mma.prnewswire.com/media/540652/AXE_Logo.jpg
So, first things first – body spray. What does it do and how should you use it? Look closely at the package, and you’ll notice it’s called “Daily Fragrance” (a.k.a. body spray).
In other words, body spray has super powers – and with great power comes great responsibility. Spray responsibly and help keep the air clear. No need to blast the whole can at once. Simply “throw a 7 on it,” meaning a quick spray in the shape of a “7” across your chest and stomach for as long as it takes to say the word “AXE” (and not “AAAAAAAAXE”). Trust us, your crush, classmates, teachers, janitors, bus drivers, lockers, bookbags, and even the flies in the cafeteria will respect your subtle freshness.
Okay, so then what is dry spray? Officially known as “AXE Antiperspirant Dry Spray,” it goes under your armpits to keep you dry for up to 48 hours. Use it just like you would an antiperspirant stick. It’s your personal fullback blocking the sweat before it reaches the skin.
To help spread the word, AXE enlisted YouTube comedian and musician Rudy Mancuso, and rapper Kap G to show guys everywhere how to #sprayresponsibly. Ahead of the new school year, Rudy and Kap G – along with Miles Hampton, Zack Naegeli, Skyler Seymour and Joe May – will take to their social channels with new, exclusive content to help guys stay fresh and dry on the daily.
“From stressing over exams to sweating in gym class, AXE knows young guys need a little help to stay fresh and dry,” said Dawn Hedgepeth, Senior Director of U.S. Deodorants & Male Grooming, Unilever. “As it turns out, they also need help figuring out the best way to use AXE sprays. We’re excited to be working with such an influential group of guys, who will help us ‘clear the air’ with their millions of followers as they head back to school.”
In addition to learning how to spray from our influencers, check out the latest AXE commercial that showcases the right way to spray. To learn more about AXE and its products, visit www.axe.com and follow AXE on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and YouTube. And be sure to join the #sprayresponsibly conversation on social.
*Ipsos Body Spray Drivers and Barriers, 2017 or Ipsos, 2017
PRESS CONTACT
Matt Kochis
[email protected]
(212) 704-4506
About AXE®
AXE, the No. 1 men’s fragrance brand in the world*, champions individuality and self-expression by encouraging guys to embrace their personal style. With a full line of grooming products including daily fragrance sprays, deodorants, anti-perspirants, shower gels, shampoos and styling products, AXE gives guys the tools to express what makes them unique, authentic and ultimately attractive to the world around them. Visit AXE at AXE.com and follow us on Twitter, Instagram, Tumblr, and Facebook to get access to exclusive content, special promotions, and more.
*Source Euromonitor International Limited; Beauty and Personal Care 2015ed, Men’s Deodorants & Mass and Premium Men’s Fragrances retail value sales combined, as per umbrella brand name classification, 2014; Lynx includes all AXE/Lynx/Ego sales
About Unilever United States, Inc.
Unilever is one of the world’s leading suppliers of Food, Home Care, Personal Care and Refreshment products with sales in more than 190 countries and reaching 2.5 billion consumers a day. In the United States, the portfolio includes brand icons such as Axe, Ben & Jerry’s, Breyers, Caress, Clear Scalp & Hair Therapy, Country Crock, Degree, Dollar Shave Club, Dove, Good Humor, Hellmann’s, I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter!, Klondike, Knorr, Lever 2000, Lipton, Magnum, Nexxus, Noxzema, Pond’s, Popsicle, Promise, Q-tips, Seventh Generation, Simple, St. Ives, Suave, Talenti Gelato & Sorbetto, TIGI, TONI&GUY, TRESemmé and Vaseline. All of the preceding brand names are trademarks or registered trademarks of the Unilever Group of Companies.
Unilever employs approximately 8,000 people in the United States – generating more than $9 billion in sales in 2016.
The Unilever Sustainable Living Plan commits to:
- Helping more than a billion people take action to improve their health and well-being by 2020.
- Halving the environmental impact of our products by 2030.
- Enhancing the livelihoods of millions of people by 2020.
Unilever ranked number one in its sector on the 2016 Dow Jones Sustainability Index.
For more information on Unilever U.S. and its brands visit: www.unileverusa.com
To connect with Unilever U.S. via Facebook visit: www.facebook.com/unileverusa
To connect with Unilever U.S. via Twitter follow: @unileverusa
SOURCE AXE
Pelmorex Weather Networks Announces Launch of CLIMA USA
– The company exports the successful Eltiempo.es model, leader in digital weather information support in Spain with 9 million multiplatform unique users
– CLIMA USA, available for web and app for Android and IOS, is currently one of the most comprehensive weather services with forecasts for 500,000 locations worldwide and 60,000 for the United States and Latin America combined
MEXICO CITY, July 31, 2017 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Pelmorex Weather Networks launches CLIMA USA, a digital weather service in Spanish for U.S. users. CLIMA USA joins Pelmorex Weather Networks’ wide-ranging offer in America and rest of the world.
The company has exported the success of Eltiempo.es, leader in digital weather information support in Spain with 9 million multiplatform unique users.
CLIMA USA offers timely detailed information, 14 days of weather forecasts and several weather maps.
With forecasts for 500,000 locations worldwide and 60,000 for the United States and Latin America combined, users of www.clima.com/estados-unidos and the CLIMA APP (Android and IOS) will find it easy to navigate through weather colors and icons that facilitate access to all weather information.
“We are very pleased to offer valuable and relevant weather information for people in the United States,” said Carlos Astorqui, managing director of CLIMA. “We are proud to deliver the best weather information to help people plan their day.”
“CLIMA USA has reached another milestone on our path to offering the most complete weather information for different platforms and in the most reliable way,” said Pierre Morrissette, President and CEO of Pelmorex Corp., parent company of Pelmorex Weather Networks.
CLIMA USA is available at www.clima.com/estados-unidos and Google Play / Apple Stores.
Pelmorex Weather Networks, a division of Pelmorex Corp., is the leading international provider of weather-related information services. It has operations in North America, Europe, Latin America, India and Australia under the brands The Weather Network, MétéoMédia, Eltiempo.es, Clima and Wetterplus.de. Weather Networks and its French counterpart MétéoMédia are Canada’s most popular weather and information services on TV and web and mobile apps. Eltiempo.es is Spain’s leading provider of multiplatform weather information.
Pelmorex Corp. is an international company that offers information networks and data solutions to consumers, advertisers and companies. It has operations in North America, Europe, Latin America, India and Australia.
Photo – http://mma.prnewswire.com/media/540208/Pelmorex_Weather_Networks_CLIMA.jpg
SOURCE Pelmorex Weather Networks
If You Own The Copyright For A Musical Composition Available On Spotify, You May Be Entitled To Benefits Through A Class Action Settlement
SEATTLE, July 31, 2017 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — The following statement is being issued by GCG regarding Ferrick et al., v. Spotify USA Inc.
LEGAL NOTICE
If you own a copyright that has been registered with the U.S. Copyright Office (or for which an application of registration has been filed) for a musical composition that was made available on Spotify’s service for interactive streaming and/or limited downloading between December 28, 2012 and June 29, 2017, and you contend that Spotify did so without a license, your rights may be affected by a proposed class action settlement, and you may be eligible to receive benefits from a class action settlement. If the court approves the settlement, Spotify will:
- pay $43.45 million into a Settlement Fund;
- pay all Settlement Administration Costs and Notice Costs, which the Settlement Administrator has estimated will exceed $1 million;
- pay mechanical license royalties calculated in accordance with 37 C.F.R. §§ 385.10-17 for future use of musical compositions;
- establish a Mechanical Licensing Committee that would aim to increase the percentage of tracks available on Spotify’s service that can be matched to a registered copyright owner; and
- coordinate industry efforts to share publisher catalog data to facilitate the mechanical licensing of content on streaming services and digitize pre-1978 Copyright Records and make them available online for free use by the public.
This notice summarizes your rights and options. More details and information can be found at www.SpotifyPublishingSettlement.com.
What’s this about? A settlement has been reached in the class action Ferrick v. Spotify USA Inc., No. 1:16-cv-8412 (AJN). The plaintiffs contend that Spotify made certain musical compositions available on its service without a license. Spotify denies any wrongdoing. The parties have agreed to a settlement to avoid the uncertainties and expenses associated with further litigation of the case. The Court has not decided whether the plaintiffs or Spotify is right.
Am I a class member? It depends. The Settlement Class consists of all persons or entities who own copyrights in one or more musical compositions (a) for which a certificate of registration has been issued or applied for; and (b) that were made available by Spotify for interactive streaming and/or limited downloading during the class period (December 28, 2012 through June 29, 2017) without a license. Excluded are (i) Spotify and its affiliates, employees, and counsel; (ii) governmental entities; (iii) the Court; (iv) persons and entities who in 2016 executed a Participating Publisher Pending and Unmatched Usage Agreement in connection with the Pending and Unmatched Usage Agreement, dated as of March 17, 2016, between Spotify and the National Music Publishers’ Association, or any other person or entity who has agreed not to bring a claim against Spotify in this lawsuit; and (v) any person or entity who has already provided Spotify with a release with respect to claims concerning musical compositions for which a certificate of registration has been issued or applied for, but the exclusion applies solely with respect to such released claims.
What can I get? If the settlement is approved by the Court and you submit a timely, valid claim form, you will be an authorized claimant and entitled to receive a payment from the settlement fund ($43,450,000, less deduction for attorneys’ fees and certain expenses). Authorized claimants will receive a minimum pro rata payment from a fixed portion of the net settlement fund. Depending upon the number of streams of your qualifying musical compositions (through the preliminary approval date), you will also receive a pro rata share of the net settlement fund determined by dividing the total number of streams of your qualifying musical compositions by the total number of streams of all qualifying musical compositions. You will also receive payment of future mechanical royalties calculated using the statutory rate. Spotify will also provide nonmonetary benefits to class members, such as by taking steps to facilitate payment of royalties for unmatched works.
How do I get a payment? You must submit a timely and properly completed claim form no later than 210 days after the Settlement Claims Start Date. You may complete a claim form online at www.SpotifyPublishingSettlement.com. You may obtain payments for future royalties, but not a share of the settlement fund, by submitting a claim form after the Claim Deadline.
What are my other options? You may either remain part of the settlement class and potentially receive benefits, or you can exclude yourself and get no benefit from the Settlement. If you exclude yourself, you cannot get a settlement payment, but you keep any rights you may have to bring claims against Spotify over the allegations in the lawsuit. You may exclude yourself from the settlement class by sending a Request for Exclusion to the Settlement Administrator no later than September 12, 2017, addressed to: Ferrick v. Spotify USA Inc. c/o Garden City Group LLC, PO Box 10371, Dublin, OH 43017-5571. If you remain in the Settlement Class you (or your lawyer) have the right at your own expense to appear before the Court and/or object to the Settlement. If you object, you are not required to attend. Instructions for submitting a written objection by the deadline of September 12, 2017, are available at www.SpotifyPublishingSettlement.com.
Who represents me? The Court has appointed Class Representatives. The Court also has appointed lawyers from Gradstein & Marzano, P.C. and Susman Godfrey L.L.P. as Class Counsel for the Settlement Class. The Court will determine how much Class Counsel will be paid for fees and expenses. Class Counsel can seek an award for attorneys’ fees of $5,000,000 for, among other things, the future monetary and non-monetary benefits conferred, to be paid by Spotify and not from the Settlement Fund, and up to one-third of the Settlement Fund, plus reimbursement of expenses and incentive fees of up to $25,000 per Class Plaintiff, to be paid out of the Settlement Fund. You will not be responsible for payment of Class Counsel’s fees and expenses.
When will the Court consider the proposed settlement? The Court will hold a final approval hearing on December 1, 2017 at 10:00 a.m. at the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York, Thurgood Marshall United States Courthouse, Courtroom 906, 40 Foley Square, New York, NY 10007. At that hearing, the Court will determine the fairness of the settlement. If you file a timely objection and comply with the Court’s instructions for objections, you may appear at the hearing to explain your objection. If the hearing is relocated or rescheduled, the new location or date will be posted at www.SpotifyPublishingSettlement.com.
How do I get more information? You can visit www.SpotifyPublishingSettlement.com or contact the Settlement Administrator toll free at 1-855-474-3853.
SOURCE GCG
Labor Commissioner’s Office Cites Two Towing Companies over $4.8 Million for Wage Theft Violations
SANTA ANA, California, July 26, 2017 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — The Labor Commissioner’s Office has cited two California towing companies in Anaheim and Oakland $4,874,661 for multiple wage theft violations affecting 187 workers including tow truck drivers, dispatchers and mechanics.
The Labor Commissioner’s Office last December launched an investigation into Irvine Auto Towing, Inc. dba Pride Towing and Recovery in Anaheim, and Yaco Investments Inc. dba Stride Towing and Recovery in Oakland, after a former worker at Pride Towing filed a wage claim and reported labor law violations. Noel Yaqo and his son Aram Yaco own and operate both towing companies through their corporations, Irvine Auto Towing, Inc. and Yaco Investments Inc.
Employees generally worked 12-hour shifts with no meal or rest breaks, and some worked seven days a week. Pride Towing typically paid workers $110 per day, resulting in an underpayment of regular wages, and Stride Towing failed to pay workers for all overtime hours worked. Drivers and mechanics also incurred unlawful deductions and were charged for uniforms and for any accidents or damages incurred while working in the field.
“This is an egregious case of wage theft affecting a large group of workers who were denied a just day’s pay and forced to work without meal or rest breaks,” said Labor Commissioner Julie A. Su. “My office enforces California’s labor laws to prevent employers from cheating workers as a means to gain an unfair advantage over their law-abiding competitors.”
The Labor Commissioner’s Office issued citations to Irvine Auto Towing, Inc. and Yaco Investments Inc. for violations of minimum wage, overtime and meal and rest period provisions for 129 workers at Pride Towing from June 15, 2014 to February 16, 2017, and for 58 workers at Stride Towing from August 15, 2015 to February 16, 2017. The citations include liquidated damages and waiting time penalties, as well as itemized wage statement violations. Both employers have appealed the citations.
When workers are paid less than minimum wage, they are entitled to liquidated damages that equal the amount of underpaid wages plus interest. Waiting time penalties are imposed when the employer fails to provide workers their final paycheck after separation. This penalty is calculated by taking the employee’s daily rate of pay and multiplying it by the number of days the employee was not paid, up to a maximum of 30 days.
The Labor Commissioner’s Office, officially known as the Department of Industrial Relations’ Division of Labor Standards Enforcement, inspects workplaces for wage and hour violations, adjudicates wage claims, investigates retaliation complaints, issues licenses and registrations for businesses, enforces prevailing wage rates and apprenticeship standards in public works projects, and educates the public on labor laws.
In 2014, Labor Commissioner Julie Su launched the Wage Theft is a Crime multilingual public awareness campaign. The campaign defines wage theft and informs workers of their rights and the resources available to them to recover unpaid wages or report other labor law violations. Employees with work-related questions or complaints may contact DIR’s Call Center in English or Spanish at 844-LABOR-DIR (844-522-6734).
Members of the press may contact Paola Laverde or Peter Melton at (510) 286-1161, and are encouraged to subscribe to get email alerts on DIR’s press releases or other departmental updates.
The California Department of Industrial Relations, established in 1927, protects and improves the health, safety, and economic well-being of over 18 million wage earners, and helps their employers comply with state labor laws. DIR is housed within the Labor & Workforce Development Agency. For general inquiries, contact DIR’s Communications Call Center at 844-LABOR-DIR (844-522-6734) for help in locating the appropriate division or program in our department.
SOURCE California Department of Industrial Relations