$14.5 Million
Kaewsawang, et al v. Sara Lee Corp.
Consumer Class Action
Attorneys: Mike Arias, Arnold C. Wang
Case Synopsis
Arias Sanguinetti helped reach a $14.5 million settlement on behalf of Sara Lee distributors who said they were forced to charge fixed prices for baked goods, leaving them with little control over their own businesses. The class action alleged that Sara Lee’s pricing practices violated California antitrust law and stripped distributors of the right to negotiate prices with stores.
Beyond the monetary recovery, the settlement secured crucial non-financial relief: for two years, distributors will be allowed to set their own prices and negotiate directly with retailers—restoring a basic level of fairness and autonomy.
This result came after more than a decade of litigation and multiple appellate battles. Arias Sanguinetti is proud to have stood by these workers the entire way. When corporations exploit their control over independent workers, we believe the law must step in to restore balance. This case helped do just that.
"Independent workers deserve independence, not exploitation. We held a global corporation responsible so these entrepreneurs could reclaim their rights and dignity."
