Shell, BASF Offer Millions In Class Action Suit

Brazil's top labor court says Shell Brasil SA and BASF SA have offered more than $20 million to settle a class-action lawsuit with former workers allegedly contaminated at a pesticide plant in the state of Sao Paulo. The court says on its website Friday that the two companies have offered to provide 884 workers with lifelong health plans.

SAO PAULO (AP) -- Brazil's top labor court says Shell Brasil SA and BASF SA have offered more than $20 million to settle a class-action lawsuit with former workers allegedly contaminated at a pesticide plant in the state of Sao Paulo.

The court says on its website Friday that the two companies have offered to provide 884 workers with lifelong health plans with a "global value" of 52 million reals ($26 million).

The court says representatives of the two companies and workers will meet again at the end of a month to discuss the proposal.

The plant was first owned by Shell and later by BASF.

Shell spokesman Glauco Paiva confirmed the offer of a lifelong health plan but said "for now we prefer not to mention any numbers." BASF also confirmed the offer.

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