Several former and current employees of Sue Cargill Inc. in Minneapolis have filed a suit against the company for racial discrimination and the hazardous work environment.
The local management team for the company has been named as the defendants in the $3 million suit.
Suit Claims Improper Asbestos Removal
In 1999, Cargill Inc. reportedly bought Continental Grain and before the sale was completed, Continental has begun an asbestos removal project at their facility in Memphis.
However, one the company was bought, the employees claim Cargill didn’t complete the removal and allowed them to work knowing they were potentially at risk for exposure.
“The defendant knew of the hazardous conditions since acquiring this section of what was formerly Continental Grain,” states the lawsuit.
Training Promised but Never Implemented
According to Vincent Mickens and Francois Johnson, shortly after the company transfer occurred, they began asking questions regarding the asbestos and what affect it would have on the employees, most of which are black.
The men were allegedly told that within five years they would receive asbestos training; though their concerns about asbestos exposure were never directly addressed.
The employees supposedly never received the training they were promised.
Workers Take Action
The suit was filed last week and seeks $3 million in damages.
The workers have filed the suit, pro se, which means that they have not hired attorneys and will be representing themselves in court.
(Source: The Daily News)
Do you believe that you’ve been exposed to asbestos at work? If so, please contact us today to speak with someone about the resources available to you.
