8 file racism suit against Bridgestone-Firestone
Posted: Saturday, February 02, 2008
DES MOINES (AP) -- Eight workers at a Bridgestone-Firestone plant have filed a lawsuit claiming they were subjected to years of racial jokes and threats, including the hanging of nooses at work.
The eight people, all black, filed the lawsuit against the tire maker on Thursday in Polk County District Court. They are seeking undetermined damages.
The lawsuit claims that Jeffrey Cavil, Rosie Crawford, Robert Goods, Marcus Butts, Stephanie Moore, Henry Robertson, John Scott and Robert Simmons were referred to as slaves by co-workers who compared them to monkeys and displayed nooses and swastikas at the Des Moines plant.
The lawsuit alleges that managers ignored the behavior and helped delay investigations into harassment by white employees.
The abuse dates back to 1997, the lawsuit states.
It claims that managers retaliated against workers who complained and fired black workers based on race.
Thomas Newkirk, an attorney who represents the workers, said the lawsuit could expand to include others.
He said the alleged abuse occurred in isolated incidents and the affected employees didn't realize it was widespread.
He said the workers "don't have meetings together to discuss the 'racial incident of the day.'
"Part of the litigation process is figuring out how deep the rabbit hole goes," he said.
The company released a statement Friday that said it is committed to creating a safe and healthy workplace for its employees and that employees receive and are trained in the company's anti-discrimination, anti-harassment and anti-retaliation policies.
The company said employees have various avenues to raise complaints and concerns, including a hot line where employees can remain anonymous.
"We do not believe there is any merit to these allegations, and we expect the evidence in this lawsuit to reflect that," the company said.
The eight people, all black, filed the lawsuit against the tire maker on Thursday in Polk County District Court. They are seeking undetermined damages.
The lawsuit claims that Jeffrey Cavil, Rosie Crawford, Robert Goods, Marcus Butts, Stephanie Moore, Henry Robertson, John Scott and Robert Simmons were referred to as slaves by co-workers who compared them to monkeys and displayed nooses and swastikas at the Des Moines plant.
The lawsuit alleges that managers ignored the behavior and helped delay investigations into harassment by white employees.
The abuse dates back to 1997, the lawsuit states.
It claims that managers retaliated against workers who complained and fired black workers based on race.
Thomas Newkirk, an attorney who represents the workers, said the lawsuit could expand to include others.
He said the alleged abuse occurred in isolated incidents and the affected employees didn't realize it was widespread.
He said the workers "don't have meetings together to discuss the 'racial incident of the day.'
"Part of the litigation process is figuring out how deep the rabbit hole goes," he said.
The company released a statement Friday that said it is committed to creating a safe and healthy workplace for its employees and that employees receive and are trained in the company's anti-discrimination, anti-harassment and anti-retaliation policies.
The company said employees have various avenues to raise complaints and concerns, including a hot line where employees can remain anonymous.
"We do not believe there is any merit to these allegations, and we expect the evidence in this lawsuit to reflect that," the company said.
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anonymous wrote on Feb 3, 2008 9:45 AM:
USA Steve wrote on Feb 2, 2008 8:30 PM: