Press Releases

AT&T employees complain of discrimination, harassment

By Adam Geller, The Associated Press
Friday November 30, 2001

NEW YORK (AP) — More than 50 AT&T Corp. employees or former employees in nine states have filed complaints against the company alleging discrimination based on race, gender, disability or national origin. 

Some workers also were sexually harassed, said attorney Lenard Leeds, whose firm represents the workers. About one in four of the workers was fired. 

Since late October, 52 complaints have been filed with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, including 12 on Wednesday. As many as 150 are likely by year’s end, Leeds said. 

A spokeswoman for the New York-based telecommunications giant said the company could not comment on specific charges because it has not yet seen the allegations. 

“AT&T has a very strong and long-standing commitment to diversity in the workplace and it’s our company policy that we treat all individuals with dignity and respect,” spokeswoman Cindy Neale said. 

The EEOC does not comment on complaints filed with its office. Workers alleging discrimination cannot sue an employer until the EEOC investigates and approves that step. 

The workers making the allegations live in Arizona, Georgia, Colorado, California, Tennessee, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New Jersey and New York, the law firm said. 

“The complaints are similar around the country and it appears the company is not responding to the needs of its employees and the complaints of its employees,” Leeds said.