A court of appeals has upheld a ruling that awarded two African-American drivers at A.C. Widenhouse almost a quarter of a million dollars as a result of a racial discrimination lawsuit. The EEOC brought the racial harassment case on behalf of Contonius Gill and Robert Floyd, Jr. after they were the subject of threats, verbal harassments and eventually firings based on race.
The press release issued by the EEOC reports that Floyd was “repeatedly subjected to unwelcome derogatory racial comments” by drivers, mechanics, dispatchers, and even his own manager. They included incredibly offensive insults and even threats of violence. According to the release, in one case Flyod was approached by his manager who said “Don’t find a noose with your name on it” and suggested that he might have some “friends” visit Floyd in the middle of the night.
When Floyd was hired, he was the only African-American working at the company and was told that he was the “token black.” Gill was brought on later and was subject to the same sort of treatment and a jury found that he had been fired because of his race.
The court ruled that Floyd should receive $50,000 in compensatory and punitive damages and that Gill receive $193,509 in compensatory and punitive damages, back pay, and pre-judgment interest. Additionally, the carrier will have to implement a written anti-discrimination policy, educate its employees, provide the EEOC with updates on any complaints regarding racial harassment.
Next Story: Don’t Fall For This Air Hose Scam
Source: truckinginfo, independenttribune, businessinsurance
It’s a crying shame this still happens. I remember the time I picked up in Texas and found a noose hanging in the bathroom. This A.C. Widenhouse is based in NC. It seems this sort of thing is more of a problem in the south.
I don’t believe this is happening in our country as stated in this story. We are only hearing one side of it. And with the division of the races now because of the race bating going on in DC, one only has to be black and call discrimination and the courts would rule in their favor no matter what.
You nailed it David!
In two separate trials of this case the juries have weighed the evidence and unanimously found that drivers were harassed and fired because of their race. I am surprised and disappointed to see some folks use this as an opportunity to deny that such discrimination takes place these days.
I am embarrassed that commenters are using TruckersReport to spread thinly disguised racism. Please take it elsewhere.
I would say to blame FMCSA because after that happened they should have revoked that company authority but they did not so same kind of morons will continue the same crap since they know now the only punishment will be just a fine but if you revoke their authority they will start treating drivers different regardless of race or sex.
I seen this happen to my partner twice.. I’m white but my parner is mixed. The machanic gave him a bunch of guff.. I had to go in and straighten his (machanic) and r emind him who is in the Whitehouse! !
I’ve heard enough of that shit from Western Express recruiters in the back ground on the phone and the one I was talked to week before last. JC this, MFer that, n***a, I didn’t steal yo lunch, and so on. Real professional bunch of people there at Western Express. Probably got myself called a sucker and a cracker after hanging up but it isn’t hurting my feelings. If it did then it wouldn’t be much trouble to go there and beat one of their ass’ to death with an office chair but that’s not me because in the end they are only showing their true colors of being uneducated, ignorant and purely retarded. I think this story is bullshit. Just something made up because on owner probably wouldn’t bow to their wants and boo hoo’s.
In two separate trials of this case the juries have weighed the evidence and unanimously found that drivers were harassed and fired because of their race. I am surprised and disappointed to see some folks use this as an opportunity to deny that such discrimination takes place these days.
I am embarrassed that commenters are using TruckersReport to spread thinly disguised racism. Please take it elsewhere.