In a letter to U.S. Attorney General Loretta Lynch, a Pennsylvania attorney claims that at least 80 African Americans and other minority employees at American Airlines in Philadelphia and Washington, D.C., were the victims of racial discrimination, according to NBC Philadelphia.
The letter from the Philly-based Mildenberg Law Firm, which represents maintenance, catering and baggage workers, customer service agents and an aircraft mechanic, calls for a Department of Justice investigation into the charges.
The law firm accuses managers at American Airlines in Philly and D.C. of using the n-word and other offensive nicknames for areas where mostly African Americans worked, such as “jungle,” “ghetto,” “Darfur,” “Black Panther break room” and “chocolate break room,” the report says. The employees also complain that the terminal where they worked had racially segregated break rooms, control rooms, teams and job assignments, the report says.
A representative for American Airlines denied the allegations of racism in a written statement to NBC10:
Diversity and inclusion are fundamental to our airline. Ours is a diverse workforce serving customers who are equally diverse, and we are committed to fostering a work environment that is based on collaborative teamwork and mutual respect. We will vigorously defend our company and the hard-working employees who provide top-quality service to our customers each and every day.
Read more at NBC Philadelphia.