U-Haul Agrees to Pay $750,000 to Settle Racial Harassment and Retaliation Suit

Last week, U-Haul agreed to pay $750,000 to settle a lawsuit brought by eight African-American current and former employees claiming racial discrimination and retaliation. The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) had brought forth the lawsuit on behalf of the eight plaintiffs. According to the lawsuit, a white supervisor had subjected the employees to racial slurs and other racially charged comments at a U-Haul facility in Memphis. The complaint alleged that the manager had regularly referred to the black employees with racial slurs. The complaint also stated that the company engaged in retaliation by firing one employee when complaints were made to the supervisor.

The alleged conduct violates what is known as Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. The EEOC had filed suit in federal court in the Western District of Tennessee.

In addition to the payment of $750,000, the consent decree enjoined U-Haul from discriminating against its employees on the basis of race and from any retaliation against its workers who may assert their rights under Title VII in the future. In addition, U-Haul is required to implement a policy that prevents racial discrimination through training.

If you believe that you have been the victim of harassment or retaliation at your workplace, contact our Tennessee employment attorneys. We would be happy to answer any questions that you may have.