Trenton, N.J. — New Jersey Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin and Department of Labor and Workforce Development Commissioner Robert Asaro-Angelo announced Tuesday that the state has reached a settlement with a Bergen County truck driving school accused of illegally misclassifying its commercial driver’s license instructors as independent contractors.
The lawsuit, filed in September 2024 against Jersey Tractor Trailer Training, Inc. (JTTT), alleged that the company misclassified at least 30 instructors, denying them overtime pay, earned sick leave, unemployment benefits, and other legal protections afforded to employees.
Under the settlement, JTTT must pay a total of $345,000, including up to $137,160 in back wages for affected instructors and $127,839 in penalties and fees to the state. The remaining amount accounts for administrative and compliance costs. The total financial obligation may be reduced by $80,000 if JTTT demonstrates full compliance over the next two years by submitting proof that all current and future instructors are treated as employees under New Jersey labor law.
“No business operating in our state should be allowed to deprive workers of their rightful pay and benefits,” Attorney General Platkin said. “This settlement is another important victory in the fight against worker misclassification. Our message is simple: comply with the law or face the consequences.”
Commissioner Asaro-Angelo emphasized that the agreement reinforces long-standing labor protections.
“Respecting our laws protects workers, families, and businesses alike,” he said. “We are glad this matter has found a resolution.”
The state’s seven-count complaint accused JTTT of violating multiple labor statutes between 2018 and 2022, including failing to pay overtime, failing to keep accurate payroll records, and failing to make required contributions to the Unemployment Compensation Fund, Disability Benefits Fund, and other state programs.
The settlement is the latest action enabled by New Jersey’s strengthened enforcement authority allowing the state to pursue misclassification cases in Superior Court. Similar agreements have recently been reached with Publishers Circulation Fulfillment, NJ Penn, and luxury car carrier Horseless Carriage, which were all accused of misclassifying delivery workers. Last month, the state also filed suit against Amazon for allegedly misclassifying its Flex drivers.
![[5 Pack]18 Inch Collapsible Traffic Safety Cones - Parking Cones ...](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41FrwtZEeuL.jpg "New Jersey Reaches $345,000 Settlement With Truck Driving School Over Worker Misclassification 2")
