BELLEVILLE – As appellate judges began reviewing certification of a class action for employees of Sycamore Village assisted living care center in Swansea, the class shrank.
Through June 14, seven persons who received notices of the action returned requests for exclusion.
The notices informed them of an allegation that Sycamore Village mishandled their biometric information or identifiers.
Circuit Judge Kevin Hoerner certified the class in March, and the court issued notices on May 17.
The action stalled on May 22, when Fifth District appellate judges granted review.
Four who requested exclusion granted interviews.
Martha Adams of Swansea said, “I worked there maybe three months. I looked at it and didn’t think I needed to be part of it.”
Erika Van Veghel of Freeburg said, “I don’t even know who’s asking. I’m done with Sycamore.”
Ashley Pfersky of Millstadt said, “I haven’t worked there for a year. It was a very short time. I know nothing about it.”
Darresha Jumper of East St. Louis said, “I don’t know what’s going on. I don’t even work there. I don’t know anything about it.”
Deborah Schneider of Swansea, Alexandra Walter of Ellis Grove, and Kennisha Lockett of Swansea also excluded themselves.
The notice stated, “I understand that by opting out of this class action, I will not be eligible to receive any money that may result from any trial or settlement of this lawsuit, if there is one…I do not wish to receive compensation under the terms of any judgment or settlement or to otherwise participate in this class action.”
It set a July 16 deadline for exclusion.
Class counsel is the Driscoll firm in St. Louis and the Chatham and Baricevic firm in Belleville.