Marten Transport Sleep Apnea scam

Discussion in 'Marten' started by Trudger, May 25, 2013.

  1. Trudger

    Trudger Light Load Member

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    Jun 26, 2011
    Beaverton, Oregon
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    I have worked for Marten for a little over 2 months, and thought things were going great. However, about a month after I had been enjoying life at Marten, they came at me with a "forced" sleep apnea study. Forced means that you take it or you self terminate. Now, I'm one that believes that just because we walk through the door of a company to work for them, doen't mean that we check our rights at the door when we do. I don't appreciate being told I will "comply" with something I have no interest in doing, as there are no regulations about it, nor do I think there will be with FMCSA.

    Well, I caved and took the test, and low and behold, the sales rep for the sleep apnea treatment machines says I have slight to moderate sleep apnea and will HAVE to go on the treatment machine, or self terminate. BS.

    I signed the agreement to do the sleep apnea treatment (under duress), and found that the Mayo Clinic had come out with several concerns over the machines. I NEVER was able to talk to a doctor about it, and was told that a medical assistant was the only help they would give me when I said I wouldn't use the machine until I had a medical professional show me how to use it. They told me I had to go to Georgia for the training (I'm a west coast driver only.) I agreed, to play their game. I went, received training and was gradually using the machine the last few days a little more at a time. They also "monitor" you for compliance with an AT & T wireless transmitter (kind of like a home monitor ankle bracelet on house arrest.) You are required to keep it plugged in 24/7 and MUST be in compliance for 4 hours each night. Ok, I used the machine while I was awake ( I wouldn't do it sleeping!)

    Well, today the routed me to Indiana and terminated me for failure to comply with their policy. BS. That's ok...the truth will come out about this issue and the danger to the motoring public with sleep deprived drivers on the FORCED program. You wear it, take it off after 4 hours and get some sleep for the remainder of your 10 hr break. So....you drive tired. Many drivers are having this issue, but won't speak out for fear of being terminated. I've spoken with the media about this issue and they are going to do a story on Marten and their forced sleep apnea program that puts the public at risk.
     
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  3. Charli Girl

    Charli Girl Road Train Member

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    Houston,Tx
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    Geez driver,I'm sorry that happened to you. Seems you did what they wanted.i don't understand the whole sleep apnea thing anyway,I have just the opposite problem,it takes a lot to put me out.:biggrin_25518:
     
    hal380 Thanks this.
  4. J_FROG

    J_FROG Road Train Member

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    Sleep apnea is a scam. The criteria they use to determine who gets tested and who doesnt is not relative to anything. I've had small students that have had SA and admitted it and large students that fit the criteria that slept like a baby all night long.
    Its just another way to dig into a drivers pockets.
     
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  5. pattyj

    pattyj Road Train Member

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    It's just another way for the medical profession to bleed the public dry.
     
  6. pattyj

    pattyj Road Train Member

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    Good for you for taking this story to the media.What they did was WRONG!!!!!!!!!!!.What you thought was a great 2 months,Martin had their own plans which is very typical in trucking.
     
    hal380 Thanks this.
  7. FatDaddy

    FatDaddy Road Train Member

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    Katy, TX or Swedesboro, NJ
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    Sleep apnea itself is not a scam. I was without my machine fo 2 days once. Major difference.

    That being said it does seem like a form of discrimination is in place. However I don't feel bad for the OP...he went along with the rules, he tried to circumvent the rules and got busted and terminated.
     
    hal380, Big Ugly and truckinmike1984 Thank this.
  8. The Challenger

    The Challenger Kinghunter

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    Dec 22, 2007
    East Central FL
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    Trudger,

    I am with the you on not giving up rights. It seems its that's way with some companies that require the good ole sleep apnea study. Sorry to hear about your story when you appear to be a stand up person. Where do you plan on going next??

    KH
     
    hal380 Thanks this.
  9. pattyj

    pattyj Road Train Member

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    So when a company forces the drivers to take this test,does the driver have to pay for it?Companies should pay the drivers so much a day for taking time off from work to take this test.I don't know much about this test.I'm going to have to google it.
     
  10. FatDaddy

    FatDaddy Road Train Member

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    Katy, TX or Swedesboro, NJ
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    I agree with this but can't answer that question. I came into trucking with apnea so I never had to deal with the forced test.
     
  11. pattyj

    pattyj Road Train Member

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    Sioux City,ia
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    Wonder what would make companies target certain drivers.By the way I like your avitar.Flintstones is my favorite cartoon chacters.May I ask what site you got that from so I can steal it from you,lol.
     
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