Former Abut Guides 

Lawsuit Filed Against About.com and Primedia

Thirty-four current and former guides at About.com have filed a lawsuit in Manhattan federal court alleging breach of contract according to a report in the Wall Street Journal March 20th. 

The suit alleges that the guides were improperly designated as independent contractors and they should be entitled to the same rights as employees. The suit also alleges bookkeeping irregularities. And the suit alleges that About.com breached its contracts by "failing to pay a promised percentage of revenue and by awarding bonuses in the form of 'worthless' stock options".

Plaintiffs are alleging that Primedia has been charging its own expenses to About.com, hence lowering About.com's profitability and ability to properly compensate guides.

The suit was brought on behalf of more than 100 former and current guides and seeks damagaes of $100 million or $1 million for each class member, whichever is greater.

For more see the reports below:

Levinson et al. vs. Primedia et al
Copy of Writ as posted at Europeforvisitors.com