Former Kraft Heinz employees allege rampant racism and threats
The trio of Alex Horn, Lance Aytman, and Keith Hooker filed a lawsuit against Kraft Heinz on Thursday, claiming they faced years of racial harassment and discriminatory behavior from their predominantly black coworkers at a California dairy facility, run by the food giant.
The facility, located in Tulare, California, is a predominantly Hispanic-white community - 52 miles southeast of Fresno. In the lawsuit, the three men claim they were subjected to repeated instances of racial slurs, exclusion, and threats by their coworkers, which culminated in a series of menacing messages.
One incident described in the lawsuit involved painted swastikas on the lockers of several black employees and a disturbing note labeled "No n acting as Coordinator." In another instance, the complaint mentioned "Quit or die nr" and a photograph of the purported note.
Hooker, a 22-year veteran of the company, was allegedly forced to resign due to threats of violence. In May 2018, he claimed he was told either "quit or die" and felt compelled to leave. Horn and Aytman, who began working at the plant in 2011, were both terminated in 2019 for "subpar performance," despite the allegations of discrimination against them.
The lawsuit also alleges that black employees in Tulare were subjected to frequent insults, derogatory remarks, and threats. White managers reportedly advised black employees to "keep their heads down" to avoid being among the ranks of the unemployed. The lawsuit also accuses Kraft Heinz's central office of turning a blind eye to the explicit racism prevalent at the Tulare facility.
In response to the allegations, Kraft Heinz issued a statement, stating that the company had conducted an internal investigation back in 2018 following reports of racist behavior and harassment. The company declined to provide details of its findings due to ongoing legal proceedings.
However, Kraft Heinz did acknowledge that it takes "serious steps to address incidents of discrimination and harassment." The statement continued, "We investigate complaints thoroughly and take remedial action as required." The company also stated that any employee found guilty of violating Kraft Heinz's anti-discrimination policies would face disciplinary action.
The lawsuit seeks $30 million in damages, citing the profound negative impact of the alleged discriminatory treatment on the mental health of the plaintiffs - including depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and anxiety. The lawsuit alleges that the harmful work environment allowed these mental health issues to develop and led to personal challenges, including marital breakdowns, unemployment, and emotional distress.
The case is raising concerns about the company's culture and handling of issues related to workplace discrimination and harassment. Kraft Heinz has said it's committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment, with no tolerance for discrimination. Nonetheless, concern remains about whether the company has adequately addressed these types of issues in its California facility.
