Osceola Farms Class Action Dismissed

Approximately 1,600 former sugar cane cutters, who worked between 1987 and 1992, tried to file a class action lawsuit against the nation's largest sugar producer seeking to recover more than $5 million in back wages. The lawsuit claimed Osceola underpaid contract workers and falsified hours. A U.S. District Judge dismissed the case citing a lack of jurisdiction in that the workers' case was a mere breach of contract claim, inappropriate for resolution in federal court. (Aug-18-06) [THE LEDGER]