Buffalo Company Pays $360,000 to Settle Racism and Retaliation Lawsuit

 

Frontier Hot-Dip Galvanizing, a steel galvanizing business in Buffalo, New York, will pay $360,000 and implement significant changes to their workplace as part of a settlement with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).

The lawsuit, filed by the EEOC, accused Frontier of subjecting Black temporary and permanent workers to severe race and national origin-based harassment. This included the regular use of offensive racial slurs and a work environment covered in racist graffiti.

Even after complaints were made, the company allegedly failed to address the hostile environment. Instead, when two workers complained and then filed charges with the EEOC, Frontier reportedly threatened and fired them.

Such actions are a direct violation of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which protects employees from discrimination and retaliation based on race and national origin.

What Does the Settlement Mean?

Beyond the $360,000 in financial relief, the settlement requires Frontier to:

Provide anti-discrimination training to all employees.

Revise company policies to better address racial harassment, including how to document, remove, and investigate harassing graffiti.

Encourage staffing agencies to report any discrimination complaints they receive about Frontier.

Hire a human resources consultant to help implement these changes.

Set up an independent EEO hotline for employees to confidentially report discrimination incidents.

Regularly report to the EEOC for the next three years to ensure compliance.

Kimberly Cruz, Regional Attorney for the EEOC’s New York District Office, emphasized that "Enduring race and national origin-based harassment is not and should not be a condition of employment." Acting EEOC New York District Director Arlean Nieto added that this case demonstrates the EEOC's commitment to holding employers accountable for their obligations under the law.

This settlement serves as a crucial reminder that all employers have a responsibility to prevent and address harassment in the workplace, ensuring a safe and respectful environment for every employee, including temporary workers.