A Michigan trucking company is facing a federal lawsuit filed by nine former employees who allege that they were subjected to racial slurs and harassment, as well as forced to use segregated bathrooms. The lawsuit claims that workers at Environmental Wood Solutions in Lake Orion, Michigan, were subjected to a hostile work environment that included finding racial slurs scrawled on doors and being referred to using derogatory language.
One of the plaintiffs, Darryl Morgan, a 57-year-old black man from Fraser, Michigan, stated that he was paid less than his white counterparts for driving trucks. He also alleged that he endured racial harassment, including frequent use of the N-word and being referred to as a “forest monkey.” Morgan even found a note on the communal microwave that read “[N-words] will be [N-words].”
Chicquita Gillette, another plaintiff in the lawsuit and the widow of Jesus Gillette who passed away last summer, claimed that her late husband experienced racial harassment and was paid less than his colleagues. She revealed that he walked into an upper-management meeting where racial slurs were used against him.
Luis Quiroz-Gonzalez, another former employee, stated that he was called a “beaner” on his first day of employment and endured a continuous stream of derogatory remarks such as “tamale,” “redneck,” and “wetback” over the company’s radio systems. When he complained about the harassment, he was allegedly fired in retaliation.
The company, Environmental Wood Solutions, denied the allegations and emphasized their commitment to diversity, inclusivity, and respect in the workplace. They stated that they adhere to anti-discrimination laws and strictly prohibit unlawful discrimination and harassment. The company spokesperson added that they take all allegations seriously and have comprehensive reporting and investigative procedures in place to address them properly.
This lawsuit sheds light on the ongoing issue of racial discrimination and harassment in the workplace. It highlights the importance of addressing these issues and ensuring that all employees are treated with dignity and respect. The outcome of this lawsuit will determine whether the allegations against Environmental Wood Solutions hold true and whether justice will be served for the former employees who experienced such mistreatment.
