The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has lodged a lawsuit against Asphalt Paving Systems (APS), an asphalt paving company with locations in Florida, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Georgia, and Tennessee, alleging racial harassment of their employees. According to the complaint, black employees were subjected to a hostile work environment that included racial slurs, threatening conduct, and humiliating working conditions.
The suit brought forth by EEOC alleges that APS violated federal law by subjecting 12 black employees who had previously filed charges with the EEOC to race-based discrimination and harassment. Aside from these 12, a class of other black employees was also subjected to the said mistreatment.
The EEOC’s charge further brings to light cases wherein multinational firms have come under scrutiny for their approach to diversity and inclusion within the workplace. In this instance, APS finds itself accused of not only fostering a hostile work environment but also of further aggravating the work conditions for employees who sought legal recourse.
Cases such as these highlight the need for clarity in anti-discrimination policies and a strong enforcement mechanism to back them up. With an increasing emphasis on diversity and inclusion in workplaces worldwide, it has become incumbent upon business corporations to ensure they establish and maintain a nurturing environment for all employees, regardless of their racial or ethnic backgrounds.