Special Section: Indictment of Ralphs Grocery Company
Restitution Fund Web Site · 1-800-207-0343
October 9, 2007:
Your Union has been advised that the target date for distributing restitution monies has been set back to November 30, 2007.
This latest delay is due to efforts of Ralphs Grocery Company in seeking to be relieved of previously unforseen operating expenses.
This extension was requested by the Restitution Fund's Special Master and granted by Judge Percy Anderson.
August 1, 2007:
Your Union has been advised by the Restitutiion Fund Administrator that the new target date for distribution of the restitution is October 26, 2007.
July 13, 2007:
Your Union has been advised by the Restitutiion Fund Administrator the time frame to distribute restitution has not been delayed by the "Notice of Deficient Claim Form" deadline extension.
Today is the deadline to respond to "Notice of Deficient Claim Form" letters.
As noted in our June 5, 2007 update (below); Restitution Fund benefits checks will not be mailed sooner than the end of September 2007.
June 29, 2007:
The Administrator of the Ralphs Restitution Fund has extended the deadline to respond to "Notice of Deficient Claim Form" letters sent out this month.
The deadline is now set back to July 13, 2007.
June 19, 2007:
The Administrator of the Ralphs Restitution Fund has sent out "Notice of Deficient Claim Form" letters to several UFCW members indicating a discrepancy on the claim forms they filed.
Local 324 members who received such a letter and require a clarification letter from your Union are asked to call the Union office for assistance: 1-800-244-UFCW or 1-714-995-4601, EXT. 262.
June 5, 2007:
In response to membership reports of increasing anxiety and confusion, your Union has secured updated information regarding the Restitution Fund timeline.
~ As a direct result of the previous one-month extension to file claims, 86% of the "claimant class" filed forms.
~ The 86% response rate is extraordinary for a "claimant class" of this size (upwards of 17,000).
~ Two weeks from today, update and timeline notices, in postcard form, will be mailed out to those who filed claims.
~ Restitution Fund benefits checks will not be mailed sooner than the end of September 2007.
The Special Master of the Restitution Fund, managers of the claim form processing firm and your Union leadership are keenly aware of the anticipation felt by those who filed claims. Your continuing patience is appreciated.
April 12, 2007:
The claim form filing deadline hs been extended to May 21, 2007. Further information can be received by browsing www.RalphsRestitutionFund.com or by calling 1-800-207-0343.
January 10, 2007:
A Restitution Fund web site, operated by the "Special Master" of the Restitution Fund, is due to be accessible tomorrow (January 11, 2007). The address is: www.ralphsrestitutionfund.com
December 26, 2006:
Your Union has been in contact with the "Special Master" assigned to manage the Restitution Fund by U.S. District Judge Percy Anderson. Your Union has been assured that claim forms will be mailed to members, former members and retirees by January 26, 2007.
November 14, 2006: Answers to FAQs
~Distribution of information and monies from the Restitution Fund is the sole responsibility and province of the US government.
~The Federal Judge has assigned a "special master" to effect the process.
~The 180-day period to complete the process began today.
~Within 14 days of today, Ralphs is required to provide to the special master the known addresses of all current and former employees who were on the payroll, on disability or on workers comp as of September 30, 2003.
November 14, 2006: Judge: Ralphs 'Exalted Value of Profits' Above Law
October 17, 2006: Judge Approves Plea Deal - L.A. Times
October 16, 2006:
U.S. District Judge Percy Anderson ruled in favor of the plea agreement during a sentencing hearing held today. Judge Anderson also named the "Special Master" of the restitution fund and process. Ralphs Grocery Company will be formally sentenced November 1, 2006. Further information will be posted here when it becomes available.
October 1, 2006:
U.S. District Judge Percy Anderson will approve or reject the plea agreement during an October 16 sentencing hearing. Results and any additional information regarding a time-line will be posted here.
July 27, 2006: (Formal) Guilty Plea in Ralphs Labor Case
July 1, 2006: Los Angeles Times Story
June 30, 2006: Local 324 Statement Regarding Ralphs Guilty Plea Agreement / Q & A
June 30, 2006: U.S. Department of Justice Press Release - Guilty Plea
June 30, 2006: Ralphs Expects Plea Deal on Hiring
April 3, 2006: Grand Jury Eyes Kroger In Lockout
March 23, 2006: The jury trial is set to begin August 15, 2006 in U.S. District Court.
March 7, 2006: Judge Denies Kroger's Request to Quash Subpoenas
January 31, 2006: Ralphs Pleads Not Guilty to Hiring Violations
December 22, 2005: Commentary in the Los Angeles Times
December 16, 2005: Los Angeles Times Story
December 16, 2005: Orange County Register Story
December 16, 2005: UFCW Statement
December 15, 2005: Copy of the 106 Page Indictment (PDF)
December 15, 2005: U.S. Department of Justice Press Release - Indictment