Tyson Foods denies racial discrimination after suit

CHICAGO (Reuters) – Top U.S. meat processor Tyson Foods
Inc. has denied claims of racial discrimination after being
sued over two black employees who complained about the posting
of a “Whites Only” sign on a bathroom at a poultry plant in
Ashland, Alabama.

The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission sued Tyson
on Thursday, saying two black employees were disciplined after
complaining about the sign.

“We’re surprised and disappointed by this legal action and
firmly believe the charges are without merit,” the company said
in a statement posted on Friday on its Web site.

In a press release on Thursday, the EEOC said the two black
employees were subjected to disciplinary action by Tyson
management, including suspensions, after they complained about
the segregated bathroom.

The EEOC said it filed suit only after attempting to reach
a voluntary settlement.

The suit alleges that Tyson discriminated against Henry
Adams, Leon Walker and other black employees by establishing
and maintaining a locked bathroom, which on occasion had signs
posted on it stating “Out of Order” and “Whites Only.”

Tyson said it had been cooperating with the federal agency
in its investigation and said the company was “shocked” by the
agency’s decision to file a lawsuit.

“Our company has zero tolerance for discrimination in the
workplace,” Tyson said, adding that the presence of such a sign
would be a violation of corporate policy.

Tyson said the Ashland plant employs about 300 people.

“A company’s commitment to equal opportunity is measured by
more than the existence of written policies and diversity
training,” said Charles Guerrier, regional attorney for the
agency’s district office in Birmingham, Alabama, in the
statement.