Bank of America-owned brokerage giant Merrill Lynch, one of the world’s largest brokerage firms with more than 15,000 financial advisers, and the lawyers for hundreds of its African-American financial advisers, who accused the company of racial discrimination, reached a $160 million settlement on Wednesday, August 28.
Merrill Lynch issued a statement on the same day saying that they will not comment on the “existence of a settlement [nor its status].” The company maintained that it practices fair standards among all its employees, saying that all its financial advisers are “judged by the same metric regardless of race.”
However, the plaintiffs claimed discrimination prevailed in the company, citing as proof a 2009 filing that only 2 percent of the brokers at Merrill Lynch were black.
If you too are facing racial discrimination from your Austin employer, seek the assistance of our lawyers at The Melton Law Firm. We can help you fight any acts of discrimination, in addition to other employment violations, so call us at 512-330-0017 today.
After having his discrimination lawsuit dismissed by a lower court, Vic Gardner, a former employee with the Texas Attorney General’s Office, has filed an appeal, stating that upon discovering Gardner was gay at a Halloween party, his boss created a hostile work environment, resulting in Gardner’s eventual resignation.
His claim states that the discrimination started when Gardner was assumed as a gay by his supervisor after he dressed up as a geisha girl at a Halloween party in their office. Gardner was supposedly treated differently by his supervisor, who reportedly admitted to having a “religious objection” to Gardner’s sexual orientation, after the party and was habitually disciplined, causing him to resign in February 2013.
In his appeal, Gardner is seeking damages for lost income, medical bills, and emotional suffering.
Our legal team at The Melton Law Firm, understands that facing sexual discrimination in the workplace can cause personal and professional suffering. Learn how we may be able to help you hold your employer responsible by calling (512) 330-0017 to discuss your legal options.
