Former SRS worker sues, claims race discrimination 2/24/2010 7:28 PM By MIKE GELLATLY Staff writer
A Savannah Rive Site employee is suing her employer claiming she was discriminated against because of her race, and seems to have the backing of the U.S. Equal Opportunity Employment Commission.
Christy L. Johnson of Augusta was employed by Shaw Environmental and Infrastructure Inc. from October 2006 until late 2009. She began her time as an administrative assistant for the company that is contracted to build the Mixed Oxide Fuel Fabrication Facility (MOX) at SRS; however, she said she was denied a promotion because of her race. In her lawsuit, she said that, an African-American, she was passed over for two specific promotions in favor of two white women who were not as qualified.
The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) investigated Johnson's claims and reported that there was "reasonable cause to believe (Johnson) was denied a promotion in violation of the Title VII."
Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex or national origin.
Speaking Wednesday, Johnson went beyond her complaint saying that "other charges are being filed" in relation to her termination, which happened Nov. 9, 2009. She also said that many well-qualified African-Americans within Shaw hold lower positions despite holding "high degrees."
Johnson's lawsuit claims she worked productively for Shaw and was awarded pay increases due to positive performance reviews. She also said she was someone well-known within the firm for volunteer work and organizing social functions beyond the scope of her job.
After being denied, Johnson took her case to the EEOC, which began its investigation.
Shaw did not respond to requests for comment. This lawsuit, however, is just the first filing and only gives one side of the case. Shaw will reportedly file a reply within two weeks.
Shaw is part of the Shaw AREVA MOX Services LLC contractor that is building the $4.8 billion MOX facility at SRS. The facility will turn 3.8 tons of weapons-grade plutonium into fuel for nuclear reactors.
Contact Mike Gellatly at mgellatly@aikenstandard.com.
Notice about comments:
AikenStandard.com is pleased to offer readers the ability to comment on stories. We expect our readers to engage in lively, yet civil discourse. AikenStandard.com does not edit user submitted statements and we cannot promise that readers will not occasionally find offensive or inaccurate comments posted in the comments area. Responsibility for the statements posted lies with the person submitting the comment, not AikenStandard.com. If you find a comment that is objectionable, please click "report abuse" and we will review it for possible removal. Please be reminded, however, that in accordance with our Terms of Use and federal law, we are under no obligation to remove any third party comments posted on our website.
