Tampa Asphalt Company Pays $1.25 million to Settle Racial Discrimination Case

A headline from the EEOC Newsroom last year shows just how serious racial harassment cases can be in Tampa, and underscores that workers have rights and options for justice under Florida and federal laws. In case you missed it, Tampa employer Asphalt Paving Systems, Inc. (APS) agreed to pay $1.25 million last summer to settle a race discrimination lawsuit brought by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) in Tampa. The case serves as a wake-up call to anyone facing racial harassment at work. The EEOC’s press release states that APS’s Tampa operations subjected Black employees to “frequent, severe harassment because of their race” including being forced to work in pouring rain while white workers watched, being required to relieve themselves outdoors while white employees went to indoor restrooms, and being called the “n-word,” “monkey” and “boy.” The company’s managers and supervisors reportedly brought guns to worksites and at least one instance involved reaching for a gun, while complaints of racist treatment were ignored. This case demonstrates that even well-established employers in the Tampa area can face serious consequences when they allow racially hostile workplaces. If you are experiencing racial harassment at work in Tampa you should know where to turn for help.

Racial Harassment is Unlawful in Tampa Workplaces

At the outset, it is important to know about the laws that protect workers in Tampa from racial harassment. Racial harassment in Tampa workplaces is unlawful under federal law and state law. Under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, employers may not treat employees differently, harass them, or allow a hostile work environment because of race or color. The EEOC’s enforcement actions make clear that the prohibition applies to all workplaces in Florida, including the Tampa region. That means if you are being subjected to racial slurs, forced to perform degrading or discriminatory tasks, excluded from opportunities, or punished more severely than others because of your race, you may have a legal claim. Your employer cannot simply bury its head in the sand and let racist conduct continue with impunity.

Taking Action Against Racial Harassment in Tampa

If you believe you are being racially harassed at work, it is important to know that you do not have to put up with it or accept it. First, fight back by documenting what is happening, and keep any emails, text messages, internal reports, or witness statements about discriminatory remarks or treatment. Write down dates, locations, what was said or done, who was present, and how you responded. Next it is time to speak with an experienced Tampa racial discrimination lawyer to discuss your rights and options, and the best next steps for you to take. Your Tampa racial harassment lawyer can build your case and file it with the EEOC, and can fight for you to get justice due.

If you are in the Tampa area and you need legal help with your workplace racial harassment case, contact the experienced Tampa racial discrimination lawyers at the law firm Florin Gray. Contact Florin Gray today and speak with a lawyer about your case now.

Source:

eeoc.gov/newsroom/asphalt-paving-systems-pay-125-million-eeoc-race-discrimination-lawsuit