A group of former employees is taking legal action against a waste management company, alleging racial discrimination and hostile work environment practices. The complaint was filed by Kalvin Jones, Charleston Polk, George Payton, and Michael Walker in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana on October 2, 2024, against IV Waste, L.L.C.
The plaintiffs allege that IV Waste violated Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and other civil rights statutes by fostering a racially discriminatory workplace. They claim that African American employees were subjected to unfair workloads compared to their Hispanic counterparts. According to the complaint, African American workers were limited to two hoppers per garbage truck while Hispanic workers had three, leading to an unequal distribution of labor. This alleged practice resulted in longer working hours and increased pressure on African American employees.
The plaintiffs also accuse IV Waste's owner, Sidney Torres, of making derogatory remarks and threats towards African American employees. During a meeting in October 2022, Torres allegedly announced a new contract with the City of New Orleans but failed to uphold promises made regarding wages and overtime pay for African American workers. Instead, these opportunities were reportedly given preferentially to Hispanic employees.
Further allegations include claims that IV Waste manipulated time sheets to justify terminating African American employees under false pretenses. Plaintiffs assert that this manipulation led to reduced pay and retaliatory actions when discrepancies were raised. They also claim they were replaced by Hispanic workers after being forced to train them.
In response to these grievances, the plaintiffs are seeking damages for lost wages and benefits due to what they describe as wrongful termination based on race. They are also requesting compensatory damages for emotional distress caused by the alleged hostile work environment.
Representing the plaintiffs are attorneys whose names are not specified in the document provided. The case is presided over by judges whose names are similarly unspecified under Case ID 2:24-cv-02400.