The EEOC recently announced that a trucking business and its staffing agency will
collectively pay $2 million to settle a lawsuit brought by the Equal Employment Opportunity
Commission (EEOC).
The EEOC alleged that the companies violated federal law by subjecting African American
employees to racial discrimination, harassment, and retaliation. Specifically, it argued that
African American employees were subjected to racial slurs and harassment from
coworkers. When one employee complained, the situation was not addressed, and the
employee was terminated.
As part of the settlement, the two companies agreed to create and implement policies and
procedures to prohibit discrimination and harassment, train employees, create racial
discrimination databases and employ other systems of accountability for providing a more
equitable workplace.
The EEOC continues to play an active role in condemning racist practices within the
workplace. EEOC Chair Charlotte Burrows was recently vocal about discrimination against
Asian American and Pacific Islander workers, saying she would use “all of the tools in the
agency’s toolbox” to help eliminate the problem.
Employers should create policies and be vigilant to prohibit discrimination and promote an
equitable workplace.
If you have questions about your internal policies, employee training, handling employee
complaints, or have questions about EEOC charges and/or investigations, contact Nicole
Gardner today.