Food retailer, Weis Markets Inc., is currently facing a civil rights suit filed in the United States Middle District Court. An African-American employee accused the company of unlawful racial discrimination in employee hires and promotions. The employee says he is not only representing himself, but all the African-American employees Weis did not hire or passed up for promotions in favor of less or equally-qualified Caucasians.
The employee began working at Weis in 2012, and says in his complaint that during the course of his employment, he was repeatedly passed up for promotions in favor of fellow Caucasian employees, even though he was as or more qualified for the positions. He says the Weis corporate practice of discrimination is evident in the racial imbalance of employees throughout the company, from corporate management down to the local store level.
No Policy in Place
The employee also alleged the company maintained a promotion policy that consistently, systematically, and willfully discriminated based on race. Furthermore, he claims Weis leadership refuses to enact a zero-tolerance policy for racial discrimination, even though one exists for sexual discrimination. His request to meet with upper management to discuss the creation of such a policy was rejected.
One management representative, quoted in court documents, states he has never seen a black manager or supervisor in the two decades he has worked for the company. Another manager said Weis would elect to hire a Hispanic supervisor over an African-American worker any time the choice presented itself.
Continued Harassment
After the employee alleged he was called a derogatory word by a co-worker, he requested and was granted a transfer to another department, but the racial slurs continued. He wants his suit classified as a class action and says if that happens, hundreds and possibly thousands of Weis employees will come forward with their own experiences of racial discrimination. A Weis spokesman says the company does not comment on pending litigation.
Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibits employers from refusing to hire, fire, discipline, pay less, fail to provide benefits for, or classify and segregate any employee based on race. Cases like this against Weis show that even large corporations are not getting the memo that racial discrimination is not only morally wrong, it is also against the law.
Chester County Discrimination Lawyers at The Gold Law Firm P.C. Fight for Workers Facing Racial Discrimination
Chester County discrimination lawyers at the law firm of The Gold Law Firm P.C. advocate for workers experiencing racial discrimination and other civil rights violations at their place of employment. You do not have to fear retaliation for speaking out. We will work to protect you throughout the process and will fight tirelessly for the justice you deserve. To schedule a free consultation, call 215-569-1999 or contact us online. Conveniently located in Philadelphia, we are proud to serve clients throughout the surrounding areas, including Bucks County, Chester County, Delaware County, and Montgomery County.
