Domino’s Franchisee Blocked From Approximating Driver Expenses

A Domino’s franchisee must calculate drivers’ actual vehicle-related expenses instead of relying on a reasonable approximation of costs when reimbursing workers to ensure they earn the minimum wage, a federal judge said.

Companies such as BAM! Pizza Management Inc. that require drivers to use their own cars for food deliveries can’t use an expense estimate that’s lower than the workers’ actual costs and pushes their pay below state and federal minimums, the US District Court for the District of New Mexico said Tuesday, partially granting the drivers’ summary judgment motion but declining to weigh in on discovery issues.

Judge Sarah ...