A Middle Eastern driver has filed a lawsuit against his former employer, alleging race-based discrimination, harassment, and retaliation. Nicola Hadwah lodged the complaint in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois on September 5, 2024, targeting TForce Logistics, LLC.
According to the collective action complaint, Hadwah worked as a driver for TForce Logistics from January 2024 until July 20, 2024. During this period, he claims he was subjected to discriminatory practices by his manager, Asia (last name unknown), who allegedly favored African American drivers over non-African American ones. Hadwah recounts being forced to wait outside in freezing conditions while African American drivers were allowed inside and sprayed with germ disinfectant upon entering. Despite raising these issues with Regional Manager Ronnie Childress on March 20 and again on July 2 via email, no action was taken to address his concerns.
The situation reportedly worsened after Asia's departure on July 3, when her friends and family took over dispatching duties. They allegedly continued the discriminatory practices by assigning more work to African American drivers and their acquaintances while sidelining Hadwah. Feeling ignored and discriminated against, Hadwah resigned on July 20 due to what he described as an unbearable work environment filled with racism and retaliation.
Hadwah’s lawsuit invokes several legal provisions including Section 1981 of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 for race-based discrimination and harassment under Title VII of the same act. He also accuses TForce Logistics of misclassifying him as an independent contractor rather than an employee under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). This misclassification allegedly deprived him of various employment benefits and protections.
In addition to seeking redress for lost wages and benefits under FLSA guidelines, Hadwah is asking for liquidated damages and attorney’s fees. He also demands that the court allow this case to proceed as a collective action so other similarly affected employees can join.
Representing Hadwah is Nathan C. Volheim from Sulaiman Law Group Ltd., while Judge Amrith Kaur Aakre will preside over the case identified as Case No: 1:24-cv-08098.