Judge Certifies Gemini Express Overtime Workers Case
A federal judge found workers at Gemini Express Transport Corp. similarly situated in a suit over unpaid overtime.
Updated on Nov. 3, 2026 in Unions
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A federal judge granted conditional certification to an overtime wage collective action against Gemini Express Transport Corp. Michael Blandon brought the case, alleging he regularly worked over 40 hours weekly without overtime pay.
Why it matters
Conditional certification allows other workers with similar claims to join the suit under the Fair Labor Standards Act. The ruling advances a case that could affect employees across New York who allege unpaid overtime.
The ruling was issued by Judge James R. Cho in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York on Monday, November 2, 2026. The number of workers who may opt in to the collective action has not been reported.
The players
Judge James R. Cho
Judge James R. Cho is a federal judge in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York who ruled on the conditional certification motion.
Michael Blandon
Michael Blandon is the former Gemini Express Transport Corp. worker who brought the overtime wage lawsuit on behalf of similarly situated employees.
Gemini Express Transport Corp.
Gemini Express Transport Corp. is the transportation company named as the defendant in the overtime wage collective action.
The details
Judge James R. Cho ruled that workers were similarly situated, the threshold for conditional certification. Blandon, who worked for Gemini Express Transport Corp. between 2023 and 2025, alleged the company did not pay overtime for weeks exceeding 40 hours.
Timeline
2023 to 2025: Michael Blandon works for Gemini Express Transport Corp.
Monday, November 2, 2026: Judge Cho issues the conditional certification ruling.
Legal Context
Conditional certification under the Fair Labor Standards Act lets employees with similar pay claims pursue a shared suit before a final merits decision. This ruling applies that two-step process in an overtime dispute in the Eastern District of New York.
Workers at Gemini Express Transport Corp. who were not paid overtime may be able to join the collective action if they opt in. Employees across New York who believe they were denied overtime can review whether the Fair Labor Standards Act covers their hours.
The takeaway
Overtime collective actions allow many workers to pursue a shared claim without filing individually. Employees who believe they worked unpaid hours beyond 40 per week may want to document their schedules and consult an attorney.
Further reading
For more on labor disputes like this, see Unions coverage.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Bloomberglaw.
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