Decision over certifying group in wage case against CRST expected soon

A Massachusetts federal judge will soon decide whether or not to certify a group of people who claim that CRST Expedited violated the federal Fair Labor Standards Act through its driver training program.

U.S. District Judge Patti B. Saris said during a hearing on April 23 that her decision could come in a month or two.

The case, which was originally filed in 2016, claimed that Cedar Rapids, Iowa-based CRST promised Juan Carlos Montoya and other drivers that they would receive sign-on bonuses and “free CDL training.”

But instead of free training, Montoya alleged that it cost drivers thousands of dollars.

“Defendant’s pre-employment driver training agreement says only that the amounts that the drivers will be required to repay defendant will equal or exceed the sum of $2,000,” reads the complaint.

The case also alleges that CRST violated Iowa wage laws, adding that Montoya’s paychecks demonstrate that he was paid less than the full minimum wage for all hours worked in some pay periods.

“For example, a paycheck dated Nov. 13, 2014, lists 46.25 as hours worked and a total of $244.51 in earnings. However, compensation for 46.25 hours at a rate of $7.25 per hour equals $335.31,” the complaint said.

“In fact, his hours were likely much higher than what is listed on his paycheck, because the hours should also include non-driving time and time when the other driver was driving, etc.”

In January, the court declined CRST’s request to have the case moved to Iowa, where the company is based.