Trucker Files Discrimination Lawsuit Against Illinois Carrier

An Illinois truck driver has filed suit against his former employer, claiming the company racially discriminated against him.

On December 23, 2015, Tyree Neal Sr. filed a suit against Southern Illinois Motor Xpress Inc, claiming he suffered racial discrimination, a hostile work environment and retaliation.

Neal, an African American male, began working as a truck driver for Motor Xpress in March 2014. Neal claims he was discriminated against because of his race and that the company failed to take action to correct the issue and then retaliated against him for reporting the discrimination by cutting back his miles.

The suit states that Neal was subject to “racially motivated harassment, discrimination and a hostile work environment. The suit says Neal sustained disparate treatment with respect to discipline, reprimands and warnings, promotions and work assignments.”

Neal claims he complained to management about the racial slurs, but that the carrier failed to address the situation — instead, the carrier allegedly reduced Neal’s income.

Neal left the carrier in August of 2014.

Neal is seeking a jury trial, past and future compensation, the awarding of all wages, benefits and compensation, as well as punitive damage.