Despite great strides toward gender equality, true equality between men and women in the workplace has yet to be achieved. Unfortunately, the same is true about race equality in the workplace. Too many women and people of color continue to be treated less favorably than male or white employees. As these situations continue, Amazon is currently facing multiple lawsuits for legal claims relating to discrimination and retaliation.
Michigan readers may be interested to know that these lawsuits were filed in multiple states and involve at least five women. The women represent a diverse group as they are of different races, ethnicities and sexual orientations. Though the women worked in different positions in different Amazon facilities throughout the country, their stories about the treatment they faced had similarities.
The claims made in the lawsuits include:
- One plaintiff, a Black woman, stated that she was passed over for promotions that were given to younger white men who were less qualified.
- Another plaintiff indicated that she was demoted after refusing the sexual advances of her manager.
- One plaintiff, a Latina woman, indicated that she was fired after reporting her manager for repeatedly making racist comments.
- Another Black employee stated that her manager used a crude racial obscenity before hanging up during a virtual meeting.
- The final plaintiff, a member of the LGBTQ community, indicated that she endured sexist abuse and treatment from white male executives, was not given equal pay, was passed over for promotions after filing complaints about gender discrimination and was eventually fired.
Frustration, anger, disappointment and more emotions can stem from the injustices of discrimination and retaliation. These workers all felt the need to take legal action regarding their respective cases, and if Michigan workers are facing gender discrimination or other illegal treatment in the workplace, they may want to consider taking legal action of their own. Because each case is different, it is important that all parties considering such action determine what steps may best suit their specific circumstances.