Dive brief:
- Two Waste Management employees filed lawsuits alleging that they were subject to a “racially hostile and intimidating work environment” at Topeka, Kansas facility.
- One of the employees who was employed at Rolling Meadows Landfill & Recycling Center in the past and one currently employed there filed suit in November, and February, respectively. The plaintiffs, who are both represented by the same attorney requested damages in excess of $100,000.
- Both of the plaintiffs, who were both from racial minority groups, claimed that they had their safety concerns dismissed and were subject to discriminatory treatment in comparison with White co-workers. One plaintiffBlack coworker, claiming that they said “Yessum Boss”, to him. They also showed him racist videos and taped a racist joke in his locker. The other plaintiffAccording to the suit, he was frequently told that “that is how we do things in America.” He was then passed over for promotion because he used Family and Medical Leave Act leave. Both plaintiffs claimed that they had spoken with Human Resources and that HR failed take “reasonable remedial actions,” including an investigation. Waste Management did no respond to a press request.
Dive Insight
Title VII of 1964’s Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibits employment discrimination based upon race. This includes discrimination based sex, color, religion, national origin, and as determined by 2020 Supreme Court decision. Bostock v. Clayton CountySexual orientation and gender identity
Racial discrimination suits include Most commonAccording to the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. In 2020 race-based suits accounted for nearly a quarter of all filed suits. They were only followed by retaliation (55.8%) and disability (36.1%).
A 20-year analysis of EEOC data revealed that claims based on race filed at this agency have the highest percentage of rejections. Lowest chance of success; the Biden administration has made it clear that the agency will fulfill its promises. “renewed attention”“Systemic discrimination” and “systemic racism” suggest a renewed interest in this area. These cases were not filed by EEOC.
Waste Dive is HR Dive’s sister publication. Written about diversity issuesThe recycling and waste industries are crucial. Waste Management representatives spoke about the steps taken by the company to achieve its D&I goals. One of those goals was to increase ethnic diversity within different sections of the company, “with a focus on leadership.”
One of the plaintiffs claims that he was denied two times a transfer to be given to less experienced, White applicants. He also claimed that he was not offered a promotion to a White colleague he had previously trained.
Both complaints alleged that Rolling Hills’ HR department was largely ineffective. HR can address employees’ concerns, and help companies. avoid Title VII lawsuitsEmployment lawyers have previously stated to HR Dive that they provide a safe and trusted environment for workers to file complaints. They can also deal directly with any complaints that arise and conduct harassment training.
