EEOC Files Lawsuit Against Asphalt Paving Systems for Racial Harassment and Discrimination
The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission recently filed a lawsuit against Asphalt Paving Systems, an asphalt paving company with offices in Florida, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Georgia, and Tennessee. The agency will force the company to pay $1.25 million in damages and furnish comprehensive injunctive relief to settle a race discrimination lawsuit.
According to the EEOC’s lawsuit, Asphalt Paving Systems subjected 12 Black former employees and a class of other Black employees to frequent and severe harassment because of the color of their skin. The lawsuit contended that Black employees were subjected to degrading and humiliating conditions such as being required to work in the pouring rain while white workers watched, and being forced to relieve themselves outdoors when white employees had access to indoor restrooms. White employees and supervisors also subjected Black employees to racial slurs and epithets including the n-word.
The EEOC further accused the company of making the hostile work environment worse by physically threatening conduct. Managers and supervisors would come to worksites armed. In one instance, a supervisor actually reached for his gun. The EEOC contends that leadership at Asphalt Paving Systems Tampa location witnessed and received complaints about the employee’s racist treatment, but the company took no action to prevent it.
Such conduct violates Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
Racism in the construction industry
The construction industry has been targeted by the EEOC in the past for violations such as these, egregious misconduct, that results in employees feeling unsafe in their workplaces. According to EEOC Chair Charlotte A. Burrows, “The construction sector has always been an important component of the American economy, as a major employer of America’s workers, a pathway to prosperity and security, and a key indicator of the nation’s health. Unfortunately, many women and people of color have either been shut out of construction jobs or face discrimination that limits their ability to thrive in these careers.”
Chair Burrows further said that “Discrimination and harassment in construction can be especially harsh and virulent, including displays of nooses; threats and physical harassment; and sometimes physical or sexual assaults. Yet, often workers do not know where to go to seek help. Today’s hearing shed light on innovative promising practices to address discrimination and increase diversity in this crucial industry.”
Talk to a Tampa, FL Employee Rights Attorney Today
If you’ve been discriminated against in the workplace, subjected to harassment, passed up for a job you’re qualified for, or demoted or transferred for raising a complaint, then you need the services of a skilled Tampa employment attorney. Florin Gray represents the interests of employees who have been subjected to illegal conduct in the workplace. Call our office today to schedule an appointment, and we can begin investigating your claims right away.
Sources:
eeoc.gov/newsroom/asphalt-paving-systems-pay-125-million-eeoc-race-discrimination-lawsuit
eeoc.gov/newsroom/eeoc-shines-spotlight-discrimination-and-opportunities-construction
