In a significant legal move, a former employee has filed a class-action lawsuit against a major transportation company, alleging widespread labor violations. On November 13, 2025, Eric Hike lodged the complaint in the Superior Court of California, County of Sacramento, targeting Werner Enterprises Inc. for various alleged infractions against California labor laws.
The case brought forth by Eric Hike accuses Werner Enterprises Inc., a Nebraska-based corporation operating within California, of failing to pay overtime and minimum wages, not providing accurate wage statements, and neglecting to reimburse employees for business-related expenses. Hike claims that these violations occurred during his tenure as a commercial truck driver for the company. The lawsuit alleges that Werner’s operational demands forced drivers to work beyond federally mandated Hours of Service (HOS) limits without proper compensation. “Drivers often found their total workday extended to nearly 18 hours,” states the complaint, highlighting how workers were pressured into reclassifying compensable on-duty time as non-compensable sleeper time to comply with HOS regulations and company policies.
The complaint further details how Werner Enterprises allegedly failed to reimburse employees for necessary business expenses incurred while performing job duties. According to Hike, drivers were required to use personal cell phones and data plans for work-related tasks without receiving any reimbursement from the employer. This practice purportedly violates California Labor Code section 2802. Additionally, the lawsuit claims that upon termination or resignation, Werner did not pay all due wages within the legally prescribed timeframe, thereby breaching sections 201 and 202 of the California Labor Code.
Eric Hike seeks several forms of relief from the court on behalf of himself and other similarly situated employees. The plaintiff is asking for compensatory damages covering unpaid wages and penalties under various sections of the California Labor Code. Furthermore, he requests injunctive relief requiring Werner Enterprises to comply with state labor laws moving forward. The lawsuit also demands punitive damages and attorney’s fees.
Representing Eric Hike are attorneys Timothy B. Del Castillo and Kent L. Bradbury from Castle Law: California Employment Counsel PC based in Roseville, CA. The case has been assigned Case Number 2 Si OF 4 FS in the Superior Court of California, County of Sacramento.
Source: 25CV027473_Eric_Hike_v_Werner_Enterprises_Complaint_County_of_Sacramento_California.pdf
