Long-Haul Drivers

Livingston, CA: (Nov-18-07) A class action lawsuit was brought against Foster Farms, a poultry company, by nearly 50 of its employees, alleging that the company failed to pay overtime and meal periods to its long-haul drivers. The lawsuit was filed in December 2005 by Foster Farms employee Ron Bell, and was later amended to add dozens of other drivers. Though the company denied the allegations and denied owing its employees any money, it agreed to a tentative settlement of $1.5 million to resolve the lawsuit. Documents show that a hearing on the $1.5 million settlement is scheduled in US District Court in Fresno for review and approval. Sources stated that if the settlement is approved by the court, the class members will have 60 days to submit forms for a claim. Employees will qualify for payments of several thousand dollars based on the number of days they worked. [MODESTO BEE: FOSTER FARMS OVERTIME]