FedEx Lawsuit

Huge corporations tend to have legal problems from time to time, and Fedex is no different.  We’ve been detailing the growing controversy surrounding the Fedex drivers and whether they should be classified as employees or independent contractors, but a little research into recent news stories reveals that Fedex has faced other claims within the past couple of years as well.

One interesting story was originally published in June of 2006, when MSNBC ran a report detailing how Fedex was found liable to two Fedex drivers of Lebanese descent to the tune of $61 million in damages.  The basis of the claim was racial discrimination, and the plaintiffs claimed that for two years, they were subjected to this type of harassment.  This verdict is notable, in our opinion, for a couple of reasons:

1. $50 million of this award was for punitive damages;
2. The drivers claimed that Fedex was a “hostile work environment,” and that the drivers attempted to work with management to resolve the situation.

Of course, Fedex is appealing the decision, but if Fedex believes that their drivers are contractors, why would there be procedures in place to deal with workplace conflict?  If you have been harmed by this classification, contact the Fedex overtime attorneys at Pulaski & Middleman today to schedule a free initial consultation.