SEPTA, the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority, has recently been accused of creating a toxic environment for its workers by the leader of the Philadelphia branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). It has been claimed that current and former SEPTA employees have experienced racial discrimination and employee abuse, and that they had to deal with unfair termination policies.
According to a SEPTA spokesperson, 64 percent of the transit organization’s employees are minorities. They say they are dedicated to ensuring fair treatment for all employees, and take claims regarding racism, employee abuse, and unfair termination seriously. The head of the local Transport Workers Union has stated that the accusations against SEPTA are untrue.
However, the NAACP president felt compelled to call a press conference to announce this news after receiving 18 complaints. Since then, he has received many phone calls with similar claims of racism. There were also several complaints of sexual harassment at SEPTA.
All businesses should have a zero-tolerance policy on racism and discrimination, along with a progressive corrective action system. Although it can be a difficult subject to discuss, racism must be dealt with the moment it is reported. All employees should feel safe enough at work to report any problems they experience.
No one should have to work in an environment where discrimination of any kind is tolerated. If you feel you have been the victim of race discrimination or any other form of discrimination or harassment at work, we can help protect your rights. Please call the Philadelphia race discrimination lawyers at Sidney L. Gold & Associates, P.C. at 215-569-1999 or contact us online for a free consultation. With an office in Philadelphia, we proudly serve clients from the surrounding areas, including Bucks County, Chester County, Delaware County, and Montgomery County.
