DENVER- Chicago-based United Airlines (UA) agrees to pay $99,000 in a settlement following racial discrimination charges at its Denver International Airport hub (DEN).
The US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) revealed the settlement addresses workplace harassment targeting an Asian American employee of Mongolian descent.
Photo: United AirlinesUnited Faces Discrimination Fine
The discrimination occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic when anti-Asian sentiment surged nationwide. Coworkers subjected the employee to racial slurs and physical assault, while management threatened their employment based on race and national origin.
United Airlines failed to promptly investigate the employee’s internal complaint despite reported physical violence.
The case highlights workplace discrimination stemming from widespread misconceptions linking Asian Americans to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The EEOC determined these actions violated Title VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act, which safeguards employees from workplace discrimination and prohibits retaliation against those reporting such incidents.
After unsuccessful pre-litigation settlement attempts through voluntary conciliation, the EEOC filed suit in the U.S. District Court of Colorado (EEOC v. United Airlines, Inc., Civil Action No. 1:24-cv-02438-TPO). The settlement mandates United Airlines to provide additional relief measures beyond the monetary compensation.
Photo: United AirlinesPolicy Changes
United Airlines has adopted comprehensive workplace reforms as part of its $99,000 discrimination settlement.
The agreement includes awarding 75,000 flight miles to the affected former employee and establishing new workplace safety protocols under a three-year consent decree.
The airline commits to revising its workplace violence policy, mandating investigations of physical violence complaints within 72 hours.
Additional measures include reviewing Equal Employment Opportunity policies, displaying employee notices, and submitting regular compliance reports to the EEOC.
EEOC Phoenix District Office Regional Attorney Mary Jo O’Neill emphasizes employers’ responsibility to address hostile work environment complaints swiftly, particularly those involving physical violence.
O’Neill directs attention to the EEOC’s recently reissued Enforcement Guidance on Harassment in the Workplace as a crucial resource for employers.
Melinda Caraballo, Director of the EEOC Phoenix District Office, reinforces the prohibition of discrimination based on national origin or race.
Caraballo stresses the EEOC’s mission to ensure workplace equality, highlighting how fair employment practices benefit both individual businesses and the broader American economy.
Stay tuned with us. Further, follow us on social media for the latest updates.
Join us on Telegram Group for the Latest Aviation Updates. Subsequently, follow us on Google News
Over 200 United Airlines Flight Attendants Falls Sick After Eating Meal in Denver
The post United Airlines Faces $99,000 Fine in EEOC Discrimination Case appeared first on Aviation A2Z.
