FedEx Lawsuit

It appears that another group of Fedex delivery drivers is taking action regarding their classification as independent contractors as opposed to employees.  Bloomberg reported yesterday that a group of 150 drivers has filed a lawsuit in federal court in Indiana, and the basis of their claim is a demand for full-time employee status.

“The court is weighing suits filed by 150 independent contract drivers who say they are treated as full-time employees and should be paid as such. Limiting the FedEx ground delivery unit’s use of contractors may wreck its chances of gaining on larger rival United Parcel Service Inc. The unit helped FedEx take as much as 19 percent of the ground delivery market while UPS has fallen from 82 percent to 70 percent in the last decade.

Losing the battle could flatten the company’s model of using workers who are self-employed and don’t get benefits or paid time off. FedEx may have to buy as many as 15,000 drivers’ trucks for $45,000 apiece. That $630 million bill could jump even higher if health care, pension costs and back pay are added.”

The article further states that there are lawsuits in 29 other states pending.  If you are a Fedex drive who has been classified as an independent contractor, contact the Fedex overtime attorneys at Pulaski & Middleman to schedule a free initial consultation.