Swire Coca-Cola Settlement Over Washington Noncompetes: Up to $673

Two Swire Coca-Cola employees, Kevin Braithwaite and Steven Dedeaux, sued Swire Pacific Holdings, Inc. (doing business as Swire Coca-Cola, USA), claiming the company required lower-paid workers to sign noncompetition agreements in violation of Washington law. State law generally bars employers from enforcing noncompetes against employees earning below a set annual threshold, and the lawsuit alleges many affected workers earned less than twice the minimum wage.

Swire denies any wrongdoing and denies liability, but agreed to settle rather than continue fighting the case in court. The settlement is not an admission of fault.

A judge granted preliminary approval on August 10, 2026, but the deal isn't final yet. A Final Approval Hearing is scheduled for November 13, 2026, and no money will be distributed unless and until the court gives final sign-off.

Swire has agreed to put $2,003,000.00 into a Common Fund. Once the court approves deductions for attorneys' fees, case costs, service awards for the two named employees, and administrative expenses, what's left will be divided equally among class members who don't opt out. Everyone gets the same pro-rata share, there are no different payment tiers, though the exact dollar amount depends on how many people end up in the class. Payouts count as non-wage damages and will be reported via 1099.

If company records show you qualify, you're already included as a class member. Assuming the settlement receives final approval, you'll automatically be mailed a check, no claim form or documentation required, as long as the settlement administrator has your current address on file.

To make sure you actually receive payment, double-check that your contact and payment information is up to date. If you'd rather get paid digitally instead of by check, or if you've moved, you can update your preferences online using the LoginID and PIN included in the Notice sent to you by mail or email. The deadline to make these updates online is November 2, 2026.

Your LoginID and PIN are in the Notice you received. If you've misplaced it, email [email protected] with your full name and mailing address to request the information, the administrator may ask for additional verification if needed.