Driver's biometrics case against ULH expands to class action
freightwaves.com · freight-operations-automation · Other
Insight summary
•A 2021 lawsuit by an Illinois truck driver against Universal Logistics for biometric data collection was granted class action status.
•The case involves alleged violations of Illinois' Biometric Privacy Act (BIPA), requiring written consent for biometric data collection.
•The lawsuit targets Universal Intermodal Services and related entities for mandatory fingerprint scanning without proper consent.
•The class was expanded to include all individuals who clocked in using biometric scanners at Universal facilities from March 2016 to present, not just employees.
•Judge Elaine E. Bucklo emphasized the violation of BIPA’s procedural safeguards as central to the case.
•The expanded class notably includes workers from a Universal subsidiary, LINC, and third-party staffing agencies.
•A related Illinois trucking BIPA lawsuit was settled recently, showing ongoing legal scrutiny of biometric practices in the state.