The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission filed a discrimination lawsuit
against Cox Communications Inc. Wednesday, alleging that the country's
ninth-largest media company 'created a hostile work environment' for Hispanic
employees in its Georgetown, Texas, facility.
Rather than taking corrective measures, the company retaliated against
employees who complained, the EEOC alleged.
According to the suit, one Hispanic foreman and other Hispanic employees
'suffered repeated slurs, threats and derogatory insults.' The discrimination
created 'intolerable working conditions' that led to the resignation of some
Hispanic employees, while others were simply fired, the suit alleged.
The EEOC is seeking back pay, compensatory and punitive damages and an
injunction requiring Cox to provide equal opportunities and a nonhostile work
environment.
Negotiations to settle prior to litigation failed, the EEOC said. A Cox
spokesperson could not be reached at press time.
