Law360, New York (May 10, 2007, 12:00 AM ET) -- Wal-Mart Stores Inc. has been slapped with two separate lawsuits by black employees who allege they were discriminated against because of their race.
Two women filed lawsuits on Wednesday against their employer. Elizzle Bell Bethley lodged her complaint in the U.S. District Court of Middle Louisiana, alleging she was denied the opportunity to apply for a job promotion because of her race. Joann Kelly filed suit in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Alabama, accusing Wal-Mart of refusing to accommodate her disabilities.
Both suits were filed under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act.
“In general, blacks are not allowed to work overtime and are forced to take a day off through the week if they are to work Saturday or Sunday; however, white employees are paid overtime,” Bethley’s complaint said.
Bethley has worked at a Louisiana Wal-Mart for 10 years, and became an assistant manager three years ago, according to her complaint.