CA Fuel Driver Sues Over Wrongful Termination, In-Cab Surveillance

Key Details Rodrigo Garcia filed a wrongful termination lawsuit against Figueroa Tank Lines and Samsara, Inc., alleging he was illegally fired in retaliation for reporting safety violations. Garcia was terminated on August 4, 2025, just three days after receiving a written warning for cellphone use and covering an in-cab camera. Why It Matters Garcia's case raises serious questions about driver privacy and employer surveillance practices. The lawsuit claims Figueroa misrepresented its monitoring capabilities, telling drivers that cameras were for accident investigation only while actually conducting continuous AI-powered video analysis of driver behavior unrelated to accidents. The Core Issues Garcia reported multiple safety problems within months of hiring, including equipment defects and unsafe working conditions. He alleges management dismissed his concerns and pressured him to continue driving unsafe vehicles. The complaint also cites excessive work hours requiring 12-14 hour shifts without proper rest breaks and pay rate misrepresentation. Surveillance Concerns The lawsuit alleges Samsara's monitoring system generated distraction incident reports through AI analysis and made sensitive driver information accessible across the company portal, including license numbers, home addresses, and video footage. Garcia names Samsara as a co-defendant for performing traditional employer monitoring functions that create legal liability under California law.