NAACP calls for investigation into workplace bullying

ST. LOUIS – The St. Louis City NAACP reports that gallows have been found at several workplaces in the area. The organization believes African-American workers are being intimidated into leaving their jobs.

Adolphus Pruitt, president of the St. Louis City NAACP, said his chapter has received complaints about racist behavior at St. Louis businesses every month this year.

According to Pruitt, his office has received at least 11 complaints, including some involving the city of St. Louis’ garbage collection service.

“That means that every month in 2024 there will be an incident involving some kind of noose in someone’s workplace, even within city government,” Pruitt said.

The NAACP released numerous photos during a press conference on Tuesday and called it a wake-up call.

“You may remember that Martin Luther King was fighting for the garbage workers in Memphis when he lost his life,” Pruitt said. “So it’s very interesting that today we’re still fighting the same fight against the same problems of garbage workers here in the city of St. Louis.”

Betherny Williams, director of the St. Louis Department of Streets, said the garbage collection agency takes the allegations seriously and will investigate the case.

“The city does not tolerate this behavior. Any form of discrimination, whether racial or sexual, is investigated,” she said. “We work closely with employees. As you recall, this incident occurred two weeks ago when some of our employees were leaving garbage collection, and that is why we are investigating the incident.”

In February, the Missouri Central School Bus Company terminated its contract with St. Louis Public Schools a year early after a rope was found near the workplace of a black mechanic and drivers subsequently quit.

The NAACP said images of the gallows will be seen on billboards and social media along with the names of the accused businesses.

“We must make clear that this type of behavior will not be tolerated,” Pruitt said, adding that the cases had been reported to the FBI.