Kroger Sued for Blocking Hiring of 100+ Ex-Quickway Unionized Drivers
Three former Quickway drivers filed suit alleging Kroger and carriers Swift, U.S. Xpress and Werner blocked their hiring after Quickway shut down. They seek class certification for over 100 unionized ex-Quickway drivers, claiming wage suppression, lost earnings and an illegal restraint of trade under the Sherman Act.
1. Lawsuit Filed by Former Quickway Drivers
Three ex-Quickway Transportation drivers filed suit Thursday in U.S. District Court, accusing Kroger and trucking carriers Swift, U.S. Xpress and Werner of refusing to hire them after Quickway ceased operations.
2. Allegations of Hiring Blockade
Plaintiffs allege Kroger instructed the carriers via a ‘gentlemen’s agreement’ not to hire any former Quickway drivers due to their union membership, which they contend constitutes an illegal restraint of trade under the Sherman Act.
3. Class Certification and Potential Damages
The suit seeks to certify a class of more than 100 unionized ex-Quickway drivers, claiming substantial harm including wage suppression, lost employment opportunities and deprivation of competitive labor bidding, with plaintiffs pursuing damages for antitrust violations.