Asphalt Paving Systems to Pay $1.25M to Settle EEOC Racism Lawsuit
Asphalt Paving Systems, a New Jersey-based construction company, has agreed to pay $1.25 million to settle a lawsuit brought by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) over allegations of racial discrimination. The lawsuit accused the company of subjecting Black employees to a hostile work environment and discriminatory practices.
The EEOC’s lawsuit detailed claims that Black workers at Asphalt Paving Systems were routinely subjected to racial slurs, discriminatory treatment, and other forms of harassment by their supervisors and coworkers. The complaint also alleged that the company failed to take adequate steps to address these issues, despite being aware of the hostile work environment.
As part of the settlement, Asphalt Paving Systems has not only agreed to the $1.25 million payment but will also implement several measures aimed at preventing future discrimination. These measures include mandatory training on racial sensitivity and harassment for all employees, revising company policies to ensure a more inclusive workplace, and establishing a system for reporting and addressing complaints of discrimination.
The EEOC praised the settlement as a significant step toward holding companies accountable for discriminatory practices. The settlement also serves as a reminder to other employers about the importance of maintaining a workplace free from discrimination and harassment.
For the affected employees, the settlement provides some measure of justice, although it also highlights the ongoing challenges many workers face in confronting racism on the job. The EEOC continues to encourage employees who experience or witness workplace discrimination to come forward and report these incidents.
