EEOC Takes Legal Action Against Coca-Cola Distributor for Excluding Male Employees from Event

A regional Coca-Cola seller and distributor has come under fire for allegedly violating federal law by excluding male employees from an employer-sponsored event. This serious charge comes from the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), which has initiated a lawsuit against Coca-Cola Beverages Northeast, Inc.

The lawsuit details an incident that occurred in September 2024, when the Bedford, New Hampshire-based company organized a trip and networking event at the Mohegan Sun Casino and Resort in Connecticut on September 10 and 11. According to the EEOC, the company “privately invited” only female employees to the event, resulting in approximately 250 women attending while no male employees received invitations.

During the event, the EEOC claims that the company excused the attending female employees from their regular work duties for two days, compensating them with their usual salaries without requiring the use of vacation or other paid time off. Additionally, Coca-Cola covered hotel room charges and taxes for those who stayed at the Mohegan Sun, along with providing food and beverages.

The lawsuit was initiated by a male production employee from the company’s Londonderry, New Hampshire facility, who felt discriminated against by the exclusionary practices of the event.

“Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 has long made the exclusion of one protected class of employees from an employer-sponsored event a violation of the law,” stated Catherine L. Eschbach, acting EEOC general counsel. “Excluding men from an employer-sponsored event is a Title VII violation that the EEOC will act to remedy through litigation when necessary.”

Coca-Cola’s Response

In response to the lawsuit, Coca-Cola Beverages Northeast, through its attorney, expressed confidence in its actions and disappointment over the EEOC’s decision to file suit. Rick Finberg of The Bennett Law Firm stated, “This event fully complied with existing EEOC regulation and its public commentary approving of such events.”

Finberg further expressed disappointment that the EEOC did not conduct a thorough investigation, asserting, “We look forward to having our day in open court where the full story told to a jury will vindicate us. We remain confident in our values and in our continued focus on fairness, respect, and opportunity for everyone.”

The event in question featured a variety of activities, including a social reception, team-building exercises, and recreational activities. Notable speakers, such as Jennifer Mann, president of Coca-Cola North America Operating Unit, and other corporate executives, shared insights about their career paths.

The EEOC argues that the alleged conduct violates Title VII, which prohibits making employment decisions motivated by sex. After attempting to reach a settlement through its administrative conciliation process, the EEOC filed the lawsuit in federal court for the District of New Hampshire.

The federal agency is seeking an injunction to prevent Coca-Cola Northeast from engaging in sex-based discrimination. Additionally, the lawsuit aims to secure compensation for all “aggrieved male employees” for pecuniary losses, as well as for “emotional pain, suffering, inconvenience, mental anguish, and other nonpecuniary losses.” The EEOC is also pursuing punitive damages for the affected male employees.

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Lawsuits

A regional Coca-Cola seller and distributor has come under fire for allegedly violating federal law by excluding male employees from an employer-sponsored event. This serious charge comes from the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), which has initiated a lawsuit against Coca-Cola Beverages Northeast, Inc.

The lawsuit details an incident that occurred in September 2024, when the Bedford, New Hampshire-based company organized a trip and networking event at the Mohegan Sun Casino and Resort in Connecticut on September 10 and 11. According to the EEOC, the company “privately invited” only female employees to the event, resulting in approximately 250 women attending while no male employees received invitations.

During the event, the EEOC claims that the company excused the attending female employees from their regular work duties for two days, compensating them with their usual salaries without requiring the use of vacation or other paid time off. Additionally, Coca-Cola covered hotel room charges and taxes for those who stayed at the Mohegan Sun, along with providing food and beverages.

The lawsuit was initiated by a male production employee from the company’s Londonderry, New Hampshire facility, who felt discriminated against by the exclusionary practices of the event.

“Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 has long made the exclusion of one protected class of employees from an employer-sponsored event a violation of the law,” stated Catherine L. Eschbach, acting EEOC general counsel. “Excluding men from an employer-sponsored event is a Title VII violation that the EEOC will act to remedy through litigation when necessary.”

Coca-Cola’s Response

In response to the lawsuit, Coca-Cola Beverages Northeast, through its attorney, expressed confidence in its actions and disappointment over the EEOC’s decision to file suit. Rick Finberg of The Bennett Law Firm stated, “This event fully complied with existing EEOC regulation and its public commentary approving of such events.”

Finberg further expressed disappointment that the EEOC did not conduct a thorough investigation, asserting, “We look forward to having our day in open court where the full story told to a jury will vindicate us. We remain confident in our values and in our continued focus on fairness, respect, and opportunity for everyone.”

The event in question featured a variety of activities, including a social reception, team-building exercises, and recreational activities. Notable speakers, such as Jennifer Mann, president of Coca-Cola North America Operating Unit, and other corporate executives, shared insights about their career paths.

The EEOC argues that the alleged conduct violates Title VII, which prohibits making employment decisions motivated by sex. After attempting to reach a settlement through its administrative conciliation process, the EEOC filed the lawsuit in federal court for the District of New Hampshire.

The federal agency is seeking an injunction to prevent Coca-Cola Northeast from engaging in sex-based discrimination. Additionally, the lawsuit aims to secure compensation for all “aggrieved male employees” for pecuniary losses, as well as for “emotional pain, suffering, inconvenience, mental anguish, and other nonpecuniary losses.” The EEOC is also pursuing punitive damages for the affected male employees.

Topics
Lawsuits