Delivery drivers recently filed a class-action lawsuit against Weee!, a large online grocer based in Fremont, Calif., for numerous types of alleged wage and hour violations. The allegations, filed on March 23, include:

• Misclassifying over 100 drivers as independent contractors.
• Making unlawful deductions from drivers' tips.
• Failing to provide drivers with adequate meal and rest periods.
• Failing to pay for work performed during unpaid meal breaks.
• Violating health and safety regulations.
• Prohibiting employees from discussing their wages and working conditions.
• Firing and disciplining workers for discussing their wages and working conditions.
• Retaliating against workers for protesting about legal infractions.
• Failing to pay workers all wages due upon their separation from employment.
• Failing to provide accurate wage statements and maintain accurate payroll records.

These alleged violations "are routine and systematic and result from centralized policies and practices created by Weee! upper management," the lawsuit said.

The company is accused of violating health and safety rules by not providing drivers sufficient training in the proper handling of dry ice and by not offering them hand protection. Weee! drivers deliver food kept cold with dry ice, which produces carbon dioxide gas. One driver felt dizzy, had difficulty breathing and almost lost consciousness due to prolonged proximity to dry ice, the lawsuit said. Another driver was allegedly assigned to undesirable...

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