Case Overview

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| Case Type | Wage & Hour Class Actions |

| Verticals | Workplace & Employment |

| Key Employers | Bank of America; California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) |

| Claims | Unpaid off-the-clock work; NIL antitrust restraints |

| Status | Settlement approved (BofA); Litigation pending (CIF) |

Wage and Pay Rights Lawsuits to Watch: Bank of America Off-the-Clock Settlement and California High School Athletes' NIL Fight

Two notable cases are drawing attention to how workers and student athletes are compensated — or allegedly aren't — for their time and commercial value. From a federal judge's approval of a settlement over unpaid computer boot-up time at one of the country's largest banks, to a class action challenging pay restrictions on California high school athletes, these cases illustrate the expanding frontier of wage and compensation litigation in 2026.

1. Bank of America Off-the-Clock Work Settlement

Status: Settlement Approved

Estimated Payout: Varies by individual; specific settlement fund amount not publicly disclosed

Who Qualifies: Current and former Bank of America employees who performed pre- and post-shift digital tasks without compensation

A federal judge has approved a settlement resolving a wage-and-hour lawsuit against Bank of America, according to recent legal news reporting. The lawsuit alleged that the banking giant failed to pay employees for time spent booting up computers and preparing their digital workstations before and after their scheduled shifts — work that, the complaint argued, was integral to performing their jobs but occurred off the clock.

The case reflects a growing category of wage-and-hour litigation centered on the modern digital workplace. As more job functions rely on logging into systems, loading software, and setting up remote or in-office workstations, employees and their attorneys have argued that the minutes spent on those tasks — though individually small — can add up to significant unpaid wages across large workforces.

Under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and applicable state wage laws, employers are generally required to compensate workers for all hours worked, including preparatory activities that are considered an integral part of the job. Willful violations of the FLSA can also trigger liquidated damages that effectively double an employee's recovery.

Bank of America has not publicly admitted wrongdoing as part of the settlement.

How to learn more: Visit the settlement reporting from LawyersAndSettlements for additional details. Eligible class members who received a class notice should review their options carefully, as claim deadlines may apply.

2. California High School Athletes Sue Over Name, Image, and Likeness Rights

Status: Litigation Pending

Estimated Payout: Unspecified; lawsuit seeks to dismantle NIL restrictions

Who Qualifies: Current and former California high school athletes subject to California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) NIL rules

On May 30, 2025, Dominik Calhoun, a former high school football player, filed a class action lawsuit against the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF), alleging that its Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) rules constitute unlawful restraints of trade. Filed in San Francisco, the complaint centers on federal and California antitrust law, according to case reporting.

The lawsuit alleges that CIF rules preventing high school athletes from monetizing their name, image, and likeness — through endorsement deals, sponsored social media content, or other commercial arrangements — unfairly restrict their ability to participate in a lawful marketplace. While NIL rights have been a significant flashpoint at the collegiate level following the NCAA's landmark 2021 policy shift, this case pushes the legal debate into high school sports, where restrictions have largely remained in place.

The complaint's focus on fair compensation and market access draws on legal theories familiar from California labor and antitrust disputes. California has historically been receptive to worker and student rights claims, making the state a significant venue for this type of challenge.

The case is ongoing, and no court rulings on the merits have been issued.

How to learn more: The case is in early litigation stages. California high school athletes who believe they have been prevented from pursuing NIL opportunities may want to monitor this case as it develops.

Key Takeaways

• Off-the-clock digital work is an active litigation frontier. As workplaces become increasingly tech-dependent, lawsuits over unpaid time spent on pre- and post-shift computer tasks are on the rise. Employees at companies with strict timekeeping systems may have similar claims worth exploring with an attorney.
• NIL rights are moving beyond college campuses. The California high school NIL lawsuit signals that legal challenges to amateur athlete compensation restrictions are expanding to younger athletes and new legal theories, including antitrust law.
• Settlement approvals don't always mean automatic payments. In cases like the Bank of America settlement, eligible class members typically need to take affirmative steps — such as submitting a claim form — to receive any compensation. Missing a deadline can forfeit that opportunity.
• California continues to be a key battleground. Both cases have California connections, reflecting the state's reputation for aggressive enforcement of worker and consumer rights, as well as its courts' openness to novel legal theories.

Are you following either of these cases, or have you been affected by similar wage-and-hour or NIL-related issues? Share your experience in the comments below.

InjuryClaims.com reports on class action lawsuits and settlements. Nothing in this article constitutes legal advice. Readers who believe they may have a legal claim are encouraged to consult a licensed attorney.