Werner Enterprises Faces Class-Action Claim Over Kroger Hiring Block of 100+ Drivers
Three former Quickway drivers filed suit in U.S. District Court for Southern District of Ohio, alleging Werner Enterprises, Swift Transportation and U.S. Xpress refused to hire more than 100 qualified ex-Quickway drivers on Kroger’s instruction. Plaintiffs seek class status under the Sherman Act, claiming wage suppression and lost employment opportunities.
1. Lawsuit Filed by Former Quickway Drivers
Three former Quickway drivers filed suit in U.S. District Court for Southern District of Ohio, naming Werner Enterprises alongside Swift Transportation and U.S. Xpress as defendants. The plaintiffs allege the carriers acted on Kroger’s instruction to refuse employment to ex-Quickway drivers.
2. Alleged Hiring Block and Sherman Act Claim
The suit contends that representatives of Werner acknowledged a ‘gentlemen’s agreement’ from Kroger barring the hiring of unionized former Quickway drivers. Plaintiffs argue this coordinated refusal constitutes an illegal restraint of trade under the Sherman Act.
3. Class Certification Sought
Plaintiffs seek class-action status on behalf of more than 100 former Quickway drivers who meet the same qualifications as the named plaintiffs. They allege collective harm including loss of employment, suppressed wages and restricted bidding for their labor services.
4. Potential Financial and Operational Implications
Werner faces potential damages if the Sherman Act violation is proven, as well as reputational risks in the trucking industry. A confirmed class-action could expose the company to wage recovery claims and influence future contracting with major shippers like Kroger.