More than 1,000 Canadian long-haul truckers are suing the Canadian government over meal deductions. The class-action suit alleges the current $16.50 daily meal allowance without receipts is inadequate compared with the government-employee meal deduction of $69.55 per day without receipts.

Tom Johnston, the attorney handling the case, recently reported the deadline for truckers to sign up for the class-action suit was extended to Nov. 30, 2002. More than 1,000 drivers have signed up. Claim forms are available at www.summerlandlawoffice.com, or call (800) 494-0442. According to the law firm, sign-up costs are $100.

"Once the court recognizes the meal allowance deduction should be the same for all Canadians, the goal will be successfully achieved," Johnston said. "Lawsuit members, through their accountant, will calculate and apply for back claims on the money owing to them."