Former and Current Employees v Walgreens
Walgreens Accused of Racial Discrimination in Federal Class Action
Walgreens is accused of systemic racial discrimation and segregation against African American employees nationwide, according to a class action lawsuit filed in U.S. District Court of the Southern District of Illinois.
The suit, which was brought by 11 former and current employees, seeks back pay, front pay, promotions, hirings and benefits, as well as punitive and compensatory damages. It also asks that Walgreens be ordered to carry out affirmative action programs.
The suit was filed June 20, 2005 and claims discrimination in selection and promotions. The class covers more than 4,700 stores in 44 states.
The complaint alleges "African Americans are routinely denied and passed over for promotions despite their seniority, work experience and/or qualifications whlie less senior, less experienced and/or less qualified persons are selected for promotions to the positions."
It also claims that African American management employees are "intentionally and systematically steered into black/low income" stores and segregated there. The complaint continues "this segregation has a number of adverse career and economic consequences for the black management employees. The low income stores have a higher customer volume but lower profitability than other stores."
