A carrier is being sued by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) over allegations that they refused to hire a driver because he used a service dog to help him cope with PTSD.
CRST Expedited Inc. is facing a disability discrimination lawsuit which was filed on March 2nd by the EEOC on behalf of Leon Laferriere. According to the lawsuit, Laferriere is a veteran who uses a trained service dog to “help control anxiety and to wake him from nightmares caused by post-traumatic stress disorder.”
In the complaint, the EEOC claims that Laferriere told CRST before attending training that he suffered from PTSD and would use his service dog while employed by the company. It was allegedly only after his successful completion of the program that Laferriere was told he would not move on to further OTR training and employment due to the company’s ‘no pets’ policy.
“CRST’s refusal to accommodate Mr. Laferriere is an example of the hardships that returning veterans with disabilities can face as they seek to reintegrate into civilian life,” said Jean Kamp, associate regional attorney for the EEOCs Chicago office. “Those challenges are hard enough without an employer denying someone a job simply because he needs a service dog, as so many do.”
According to a press release issued by the EEOC, Laferriere is seeking to have the court order CRST to hire him and “to pay him appropriate back pay and front pay, as well as compensatory and punitive damages.”
Josh says
Something is fishy here.
CRST is all teams. I can’t see them ever agreeing to taking pets.
How does taking a dog NOT come up until after you’re hired?
Did he not mention the dog on the phone?
Did they not notice the dog at orientation?
Kinda seems like the driver went out of their way to find a company that would definitely say “no pets” to go after.
Sean says
I have to agree. Experienced solos are one thing. Team trainees should not be allowed to have a pet in the truck. What if the trainer is allergic to dogs? If the guy has that many nightmares, doesn’t that qualify as a sleep disorder anyway? At what point does anxiety prevent you from safely operating a CMV?
Morty Dada says
It doesn’t matter it’s not a pet it’s a working dog. That’s why there is a federal law called Americans disability Act 1990
Jeff says
I worked for a company that CRST bought a couple of years ago. I was solo, but not expedited. CRST is as bad as everyone says it is. The company I used to work for was known as the best trucking company in the area, now it’s just CRST.
Kevin Ellis says
So true, so true
Steve Bell says
You are missing the point Service dogs are NOT Pets….words actually do have meanings…and so do Laws…
Tim says
He doesnt have to tell them upfront.
Kevin Ellis says
You’re absolutely right, and they’re suppose to accommodate those with legitimate disabilities. Also this individual served our country, there should be no reason for this mistreatment.
Plato Easter says
Agree. Something is missing. If no pets, then why put him through a class. If our ex-soldier wanted to be an elevator operator or a surgical nurse, he couldn’t bring a dog with him. My sympathy with our ex-soldier, but every job is not for everyone. I would tell him to just find a company that has an open door policy with animals. Much simpler than lawsuits.
Charles says
A service animal or service dog is not a pet. Read the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Bella says
You keep using the word pet is a service dog. He didn’t bring a pet, is a legit service animal. Don’t hate on this veteran because he served this country and if he wins this case he won’t need to work for this horrible company but himself with his service dog, this company had business and stupid owners. I have a service dog and people still break every rule to not let my dog in but they want to harassed me instead. I pray this man and his service animal win ONE for service dogs!!
Eugene says
CRST also runs solo not just teams.But on that note I have to agree something not right miss communication somewhere.
Richard A Price says
Not really. I drive for CRST, Have a service dog as does my wife, and have done so for nearly 7 or 8 years. However I am a Lease OP driver and it is allowed. When I started with this company it was a $250 pet deposit which I have paid when I was a company driver. Times and rules change however. One of my ex students here is a vet likewise with PTSD. I gave him a puppy that has been well trained and became a service dog for him. He has now had him for a year but left the company 2 months short of completion of his contact and has to return to the company for 2 months. They are now telling him he can’t have his service dog without it being listed on his Dot physical as necessary for him for future employment and a letter from his psychiatrist and doctor saying the same. After nearly 10 years with this company I’M ready to leave myself. Their new way of doing business and treating their employees and business associates is beyond reprehensible.
Morty Dada says
If you paid a pet deposit and had a service dog. You should not had to pay the deposit since it was a service dog and not a pet that your fault for not knowing the law
Dan says
CRST International and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission have agreed to settle a 2-year-old lawsuit that accused the trucking company of refusing to hire a military veteran because of his request to drive with a service dog.
As part of the settlement filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Iowa on Tuesday, March 5, CRST must pay truck driver Leon Laferriere $47,500 for back wages and compensatory damages.
In addition, all of CRST’s supervisory, managerial, human resources, recruiting and training employees will be required to participate in a training session regarding the obligations of employers and rights of employees and applicants under the Americans with Disabilities Act at least once a year for the next two years. Specifically, the training will educate CRST employees on the obligation to provide reasonable accommodations. The EEOC must approve of the trainer.
Dan says
CRST, EEOC settle case alleging veteran not hired because of service dog
By Mark Schremmer, Land Line associate editor |3/8/2019
10
CRST International and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission have agreed to settle a 2-year-old lawsuit that accused the trucking company of refusing to hire a military veteran because of his request to drive with a service dog.
As part of the settlement filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Iowa on Tuesday, March 5, CRST must pay truck driver Leon Laferriere $47,500 for back wages and compensatory damages.
In addition, all of CRST’s supervisory, managerial, human resources, recruiting and training employees will be required to participate in a training session regarding the obligations of employers and rights of employees and applicants under the Americans with Disabilities Act at least once a year for the next two years. Specifically, the training will educate CRST employees on the obligation to provide reasonable accommodations. The EEOC must approve of the trainer.
CRST also must make it known to its employees that the company will provide reasonable accommodation to all qualified employees and will not retaliate against anyone for making a report or complaint about unlawful employment discrimination or harassment.
Under the terms of the settlement, CRST and EEOC will pay their own attorney fees and court costs. The settlement doesn’t equal an admission of guilt.
On March 2, 2017, the EEOC filed a complaint in a Florida federal court saying that CRST rescinded its offer to hire Laferriere in June 2015 after he made several requests to let him break the company’s “no pet” policy and let him use a service dog as an accommodation for his post-traumatic stress and mood disorders.
According to the complaint, Laferriere’s psychiatrist prescribed him an emotional support/service animal to assist him in coping with his disabilities. However, Laferriere claimed that a CRST manager and recruiter pressured him to leave his dog at home. Soon after, Laferriere was allegedly told he could not drive with his service dog because of company policies, and his offer of employment was eventually rescinded.
“CRST’s refusal to accommodate Mr. Laferriere is an example of the hardships that returning veterans with disabilities can face as they seek to reintegrate into civilian life,” Jean Kamp, an EEOC attorney, said in a news release in 2017. “Those challenges are hard enough without an employer denying someone a job simply because he needs a service dog, as so many do.”
Morty Dada says
Josh for some reason you don’t see it. A SERVICE DOG IS NOT A PET. It doesn’t mater if CRST is all teams. Are you still me to make Reasonable accommodations for service dogs
Jerry says
Go get them Attorney Kamp…CRST is known for all sorts of wrong doing. I hope the case is won hands down and even more so that he is a Veteran. What a shame how they lie to an upcoming driver of such.
steve says
CRST is one of the sorryst no paying companys out thery thay have the sorryst drivers too that can’t back up thay dont traine there drivers very well at all. thay need to be sued.
steve says
CRST is one of the sorryst no paying companys out there thayhave the sorryst drivers too that can’t back up thay dont traine there drivers very well at all. thay need to be sued.
Phillip says
They fired me because of my ptsd dog. I was a lease operator.. then they put … unauthorized passenger on my DAC.
Vincent says
I honestly think the recruiter offered him the world. Service dog no problem. Probably didn’t even hear what the man was telling him. Or wasn’t fully aware of the no let policy. These guts will say anything to fill driver seats.
Paige says
A recruiter wouldn’t do that, said no one ever!
jim says
AMEN, ive seen their lineup of trainees ( as a trainer) i would not half of them in MY trucks let alone let them drive them. It’s all about the $$$$$
Morty Dada says
I am going through the same thing now with my service dog and trucking company. Schneider trucking told me my service dog is still considered a pet and they said no pets allowed. I filed a charge against Schneider today at the EEOC.
Dan says
What was the out come?
Bob says
A Service Dog is NOT a pet. Neither is ESA.
Paige says
An ESA can be and probably is a pet. An ESA can be anything from a lizard to a mini pig but they do not have the same rights as a service dog. They can’t be in public places except for flying. They are allowed in non pet housing but you must have documentation from the mental health field saying the animal is used for emotional support. That’s how many dogs and cats wound up in non pet apartment complexes. The school therapist signs off that animal is needed for them and done deal, pet moves in too. Granted the child is seeing a school therapist and probably needs the ESA so I’m okay with that.
Robert G says
to wake him
If you can’t sleep through the night. Maybe OTR is not the best career choice.
Bella says
Robert G, that is why this company is being suit, to wake him up yes just like when he is home you idiot he needs his dog maybe you drink your ass to sleep or jerk off to porn but this man particular man has a service animal. You would rather see him begging for money like many other veterans because of idiots like you who feel this man used his dog in any other way but to help him while he live his clean and had served you and your pets and your family crazy problems and you want to tell him driving might not be for him? You deserve a kick in the balls.
Morty Dada says
He can sleep but he had nightmares and it’s not for you to say. This guy fought for our freedom. You should be a shame.
James says
Josh and Sean, everyone has to have an opportunity. A service dog is not a pet. If he was upfront with his PTSD and need of a service dog and they hired him anyway, then it’s on CRST. All companies that hire new trainees are usually running teams with trainers. I don’t see how it would be hard to accommodate him.
Mr Laferriere, sue the hell out of them, then go on to another company that Honors the Veterans. Thank you for your service sir.
Paige says
Wait, CRST didn’t hire a walking, breathing, upright person, ???
Service dogs, by law, can go anywhere their partner does except for sterile and/or medically regulated areas. Even then the handler must be able to care for the animal without support from anyone. They can have another person help them out but that person has to be with animal anytime the owner is unable to do the care.
No way will CRST win this and if they do, they invested way more on a new hire driver that will probably move on after the training pay back time is up.
mousekiller says
As I understand it, He was still in training. The orientation period. Not hired yet but qualified to be hired if the following training was good enough.
I agree that CRST has slid down the muddy slope to the ranking of 3rd class carrier. It didn’t used to be that way. It has taken them about 30 years to get to the bottom.
A service dog is a service dog if it has the proper training and It appears it has. therefore not a pet.
CRST management did not take the time to research it one iota.
It appears that CRST is going the way of Swift. To be ridiculed at every turn and doing nothing about it
Dazzling Piazza says
CRST is the joke that JB Hunt used to be. I once went for training at CRST. I was at the Hawkeye Community College facility. One morning during training while walking through the garage I slipped on a wet spot on the floor and got a real bad bruise. It started hurting. The next day I could barley walk on my right leg. They sent me to the company dr and I thought it was routine. I got there and the dr took a look at me and said they were sending me home. I showed him the bruise and said it should be ok in a few days but he told me it was because someone mentioned that I had tremors and thought I had Parkinson’s. I told him I had them for years and did not effect my driving. They sent me back to the office where I was given a reference number for Greyhound to go home. Even though they knew I was in pain I was put in to a motel on the 2nd floor with no elevator. The reason for this Motel which was closer to the training site the original Ramada Hotel we were in was not only a dump but they had bed bugs.
Oh yeah I already had a Class B CDL and aced the written work and was doing well with pre and post trip inspections and driving. I was one of the top students but as i said they gave me the boot just like that. In hindsight I should have sued CRST and Hawkeye over the wet floor.
JEREMY HERRING says
I’m admit up front that I don’t know what the FMCSA regs say but common sense would suggest that if someone suffers from PTSD severe enough to need a service animal that they are going to be deemed unfit to operate a CMV regardless of the carrier’s pet policy or EEOC. There are simply limits to what restrictions can and cannot be justified under EEOC.
Dazzling Piazza says
The FMCSA does not prevent a driver with PTSD from having a service dog in a truck. However they can not have them as a driver on a bus since there would be interaction with the public. The fact that someone has PTSD does not disqualify them from driving a CMV just like someone with Sleep Apnea as long as it has been evaluated and they carry a CPAP unit.
I agree with you on the common sense part like if someone had a factory job with hazard areas or any job where it is not safe to have a service dog..
Northstar says
The once (REAL) “seeing eye dog” needed for the truly blind or trained helper dog. Has turned into a national epidemic of mutts everywhere they shouldn’t be under the guise of “service dog”. Like your shopping cart, restaurants airplanes you name it. A week ago I saw some idiot old ladies make believe service mutt on a 10 ft leach. The dog a flee bag dirty poodle mix take a piss on the end cap of the frozen food isle at Walmart. I yelled at the idiot to clean up her piss. and sure enough the mutt had the make believe”service dog” collar on. What a joke.
john says
its a dog nothing more,, its very tiresome to keep hearing everyone out there who has a scroungy mutt suddenly decides they have to have this so called service dog with them where ever they are, stores diners movies in shopping carts that babies have to sit in,, anyone who has been around a trk, that has a dog in it knows that the majority of time it is a nasty filthy mess. if you,re in that bad of shape maybe you should work closer to home.
J.J. says
A lot of trucks are clean like mine is have a service dog to help with blood psi dogs help keep you healthy you need to check your stats before posting that’s just drivers that don’t care Truck would proactive be more of a disaster without the dog
Dazzling Piazza says
Hey dude if someone placed a bomb in your car or home would you be able to sniff it out? I doubt it. A dog can be trained to do that. Of course you like the idea you may get blown up.
Yes there are people out there just like everything else get fake documents for their pets just so they can take them on public transportation. However most people have do have trained and certified dogs to assist them.
I myself have a medical condition that allows me to have a handicap plate on my car or a placard for when I am in another car with my DMV ID. In most cases if there is a parking spot close to where I am going I will not park in a handicap spot however I do get pissed when someone parks in a spot that does not have a plate and when confronted they act like it’s no big deal..
David Stout says
Every time I turn around CRST is being sued for something. I’m surprised they are still in business with all the law suits CRST deals with.
Paige says
Agree! We received checks from 2 class action lawsuits against them and we were only there for a year.
GC says
This is very wrong on so many levels.
CRST has every right to refuse this guy.
This guy should not be looking for a job as a truck driver while suffering from PTSD…so bad that you have to have a dog to help.
It is absolutely ridiculous …..I don’t want him on the road with us. … If I was hiring I would not want to risk my company with a person like this.
I am all for helping Veterans, I am one of them. but there are limits as to what we HAVE TO provide for them.
Giving him a job with a rolling 80,000 lbs truck is not a good idea.
In the case of CRST: You’re damned if you do, you’re damned if you don’t.
That is just wrong, and the idiot belongs in a mental hospital for trying to get this job unless he was after the money (as some of you mentioned earlier, it is fishy)
Wrong, Wrong, Wrong
Jeff says
The one thing that might save CRST, is what all trucking companies tell, and I know you’ve all heard it. “Being accepted to orientation, does not guarantee you being hired.” And also the term “Conditional hire”. Maybe the problem was not the dog, as much as the anxiety problems that might interfere with someone’s ability to drive a commercial vehicle in stressful situations. I’d say the wording in the paperwork stating why he was not actually hired, will be key.
Markie_B says
The issue we have here is semantics. We know the dog is a service dog and not a pet. The companies use of the term pets is merely to cover all animals. Dogs/cats/baby goats… whatever. They don’t want animals tearing up their vehicles nor do they want trainers being forced to stop every couple of hours so their student can walk their animals. Not to mention, they would have to find a trainer who doesn’t have a problem having a dog on board. Who are you to tell me I have to have a dog in my truck if I don’t like dogs or if I have a fear of dogs? We’re not talking about a restaurant here, that’s a very confined space. He’s better off looking to a company that does allow animals anyway. At this stage, if CRST hires him and has to pay back pay/front pay/sideways pay/ whatever pay…..they’ll just find a different reason to fire him.
Ali Shane Aelaei says
I have a service dog, n who is to say that I can’t have my dog that helps me with PTSD n social anxiety with me. Also. My dog is allowed to fly in an airplane witch is much more confined than a cab of a truck with slot more people than just one… If my dog can go into court rooms airplanes etc then the can of a truck should be no problem… Now mine is not an easy but actual service animal… I agree that if your animal is not trained then it should be restricted… Furthermore. My dog has traveled over a thousand miles hitchhiking been to hospitals to work with terminally ill cancer children all without incident… Also I am not a veteran, but I do suffer from PTSD, so I’m not going to say go get em or anything like that what I’m going to say is that I have also applied at this company n let’s see what happens
Anthony says
No not really you have company’s out there that will tell you anything you want to hear just to get you hooked into them.once your there that’s when they forget there agreement.s with you i.ve be out here for 30 yrs and have seen it I guess crst is no better than the rest of them .i.e.old adage drivers are a dime a dozen if you don’t want or like what they do there are a million drivers that do crst like all the rest just wants to fill seats bottom line
Dan says
According to the complaint, Laferriere’s psychiatrist prescribed him an emotional support/service animal to assist him in coping with his disabilities. However, Laferriere claimed that a CRST manager and recruiter pressured him to leave his dog at home. Soon after, Laferriere was allegedly told he could not drive with his service dog because of company policies, and his offer of employment was eventually rescinded.
“CRST’s refusal to accommodate Mr. Laferriere is an example of the hardships that returning veterans with disabilities can face as they seek to reintegrate into civilian life,” Jean Kamp, an EEOC attorney, said in a news release in 2017. “Those challenges are hard enough without an employer denying someone a job simply because he needs a service dog, as so many do.”
Dan says
CRST International and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission have agreed to settle a 2-year-old lawsuit that accused the trucking company of refusing to hire a military veteran because of his request to drive with a service dog.
As part of the settlement filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Iowa on Tuesday, March 5, CRST must pay truck driver Leon Laferriere $47,500 for back wages and compensatory damages.
In addition, all of CRST’s supervisory, managerial, human resources, recruiting and training employees will be required to participate in a training session regarding the obligations of employers and rights of employees and applicants under the Americans with Disabilities Act at least once a year for the next two years. Specifically, the training will educate CRST employees on the obligation to provide reasonable accommodations. The EEOC must approve of the trainer.