A federal court grants class status to a lawsuit alleging Universal Logistics violated Illinois biometric law, exposing the company to significant liability.
A federal court in Illinois granted class-action status to a lawsuit filed by a truck driver against Universal Logistics (NASDAQ: ULH) over alleged violations of the state’s Biometric Privacy Act. The case centers on the company’s use of fingerprint scanners at its Harvey, Illinois, facility, with claims dating back over a decade.
The Illinois Biometric Privacy Act, considered the strictest in the U.S., has led to similar litigation, including a case against Lytx that resulted in payouts of $650 to $850 per driver. The lawsuit initially targeted Universal Intermodal Services but was expanded to include affiliates and third-party providers.
Universal Logistics, a publicly traded company, faces potential financial exposure as the case proceeds. The law’s 2024 amendments may further influence the outcome, though the court has not yet ruled on damages.