Asphalt Paving System Forced to Pay $1.25 Million in Racial Discrimination Suit

Even in 2024, discrimination can still occur. A Florida construction company has been accused of racial discrimination and a lawsuit by Black employees has resulted in a $1.25 million settlement.

The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), which investigated the case, stated that Black employees were demeaned and even threatened by their white supervisors and co-workers. The Black workers had to deal with racial slurs and other forms of regular harassment while working for Asphalt Paving Systems Inc.

In one situation, a group of Black employees were forced to work in the pouring rain while white workers sat in company vehicles and watched the Black workers. The lawsuit details many instances in which the Black employees were treated with hostility in Florida.

According to the lawsuit, white employees were treated much more favorably. They were allowed to use restrooms indoors, take lunch breaks at job sites or at restaurants, and rest whenever they wanted, Meanwhile, Black employees had to use the bathroom outdoors in many instances. They were also not given any rest or lunch breaks. They were constantly ordered to keep busy.

The EEOC brought a race discrimination lawsuit against Asphalt Paving Systems and it recently led to a $1.25 million settlement. The lawsuit was filed on behalf of 12 former Black employees and other workers.

In addition to paying the settlement amount, Asphalt Paving Systems is ordered to provide training on race discrimination to management and HR employees. Before the case was resolved, the company was also ordered to establish mandatory EEOC training for supervisors and set up a reporting hotline for such issues. In addition, Asphalt Paving Systems must choose someone from outside of the business to review any complaints of racial harassment and provide those complaints to the EEOC.

Asphalt Paving Systems took the allegations very seriously, but also denied accusations. The company agreed to the $1.25 million settlement without a finding or admission of wrongdoing so that the case did not have to go through a lengthy trial.

According to the EEOC, the hostile work environment included displays of white pride. White employees would often wear hats and shirts with the Confederate flag. A foreman would regularly show off his ‘White Pride” tattoo.

Black employees also faced physically threatening behavior from Asphalt Paving Systems managers. They would often bring guns to jobs, which was not allowed under company policies. In one instance, a supervisor found marijuana in a company van. He accused a group of Black employees, swore at them, and grabbed his gun.

Contact a Business Litigation Lawyer Today

Businesses deal with a variety of issues. Conflict is common.

If you are facing a legal issue involving a claim of discrimination against your business, a Bradenton business litigation lawyer from Cahall Law Firm can provide you with sound legal advice and effective advocacy. We’ll help you get justice. To schedule a consultation, fill out the online form or call (941) 281-2019.

Source:

miamiherald.com/news/state/florida/article291705485.html