Judge Manglona previously cited IPI for failing to fully comply with various discovery requirements related to such matters as producing bank records, employee separation dates, and paper discovery.
She also found that IPI failed to pay for and arrange for the transfer of electronically stored information or ESI from a vendor in Singapore.
IPI, represented by attorney Michael Dotts, has requested the court to set aside the default judgement, saying that his client is willing to pay all outstanding sanctions but needs time to pay.
Represented by attorneys Aaron Halegua and Bruce Berline the plaintiffs are Tianming Wang, Dong Han, Yongjun Meng, Liangcai Sun, Youli Wang, Qingchun Xu, and Duxin Yan.
They are asking the federal court to issue an order awarding them $3.86 million in compensatory damages and $7.72 million in punitive damages.
The plaintiffs worked for the former contractor and subcontractor of IPI, MCC International Saipan Ltd. Co. and Gold Mantis Construction Decoration (CNMI).
As for the workers’ petition for damages, Judge Manglona has ordered the plaintiffs to file supplemental briefings, which should be filed on Aug. 14. The defendants’ reply is due on Aug. 20.
The judge also granted the plaintiffs’ unopposed request for an enlargement of time.
“Production of discovery is due by August 29 and deadline to amend complaint is Sept. 4,” the judge added.
The deadline to file a petition for attorney’s fees is Aug. 17; the defendant’s reply is due on Aug. 24; and the plaintiff’s response, if any, is due on Aug. 27.
The next hearing is a pre-settlement telephone conference scheduled for Sept. 9 at 10 a.m.
