Auburn bakery for brands like Freihofer’s, Sara Lee, and Thomas embroiled in contentious lawsuit

Bimbo Bakeries, a leading commercial baking company with a facility in Auburn, is currently embroiled in a lawsuit over alleged labor abuses.

The Citizen reports that the suit was filed in October 2022 in U.S. District Court. Three drivers claim the company has denied them overtime pay and incorrectly classified them as independent contractors, rather than employees protected under the Fair Labor Standards Act.

The lawsuit, representing all Bimbo Bakeries drivers in Vermont, extends as an opt-in class action for drivers in New York, Connecticut, and Vermont for up to three years prior.

The plaintiffs are seeking recognition as employees, restitution of all unpaid overtime plus interest, liquidated damages, penalties, and coverage of attorney fees and costs.

In response to the lawsuit, Bimbo Bakeries launched a countersuit in January against the drivers, demanding compensation for any wages and damages awarded by the court. However, on December 5, the court, backed by a motion from the U.S. Department of Labor, dismissed this countersuit.

Bimbo Bakeries, known for brands like Entenmann’s, Freihofer’s, Sara Lee, and Thomas’, remains at the center of this significant labor dispute.



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