L’Officiel Claims It Made Settlement Offer in Freelancers’ Suit – WWD

L’Officiel USA has issued its first public statement since New York City officials launched a lawsuit in November for alleged failure to pay freelancers.

The French luxury media brand’s outpost in the US has announced that it made a formal settlement offer to New York City in December and is “currently in discussions with the city to finalize an agreement”. .

While refusing to share any documents, L’Officiel stated that it had offered to arrange payment for all amounts due, to be made within five business days of execution. full settlement agreement. It does not disclose an amount.

In a joint statement, L’Officiel’s board of directors said: “We are committed to working with the city and supporting freelance talent in the US and around the world. We intend to lead the way for meaningful change across the industry. ”

A spokesperson for New York City did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

It sued L’Officiel through the Non-Free Freelancers Act, which requires an employer to pay freelancers for services rendered on or before a due date compensation under the contract, or if the contract does not provide, no. later than 30 days after the completion of the freelance worker services under the contract.

In the lawsuit, it said the affected freelancers, and the entire city, were injured as a direct result of L’Officiel’s actions and that the city was entitled to the relief measures ordered, civil penalties and any other appropriate relief, while the Injured Freelance Worker is entitled to double damages for breach of FIFA’s payment terms.

“Freelancers are a valuable part of New York City’s workforce, and their work is not free,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio. “We will not allow L’Officiel to continue reaping the benefits of our talented freelancers without paying them for their hard work. To those breaking the law: New York City will hold you accountable. ”

This is the first time New York City has sued a media company through FIFA, which was founded in 2017, and the media will no doubt be closely watching the outcome of this lawsuit and wonder if now. Is it now possible to target more publishers through FIFA.

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