Atlanta brewery pays $115,000 for wrongful discrimination, termination

An Atlanta brewery must pay $115,000 to settle a wrongful termination lawsuit. The federal case also details racial discrimination and retaliation by the Iron Hill Brewery.

The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission filed a federal lawsuit against the restaurant, located in the affluent Atlanta suburb of Buckhead. According to the EEOC, Iron Hill Brewery racially discriminated and retaliated against a Black employee after he reported discriminatory behavior against women and Hispanic employees. In the legal filing, the EEOC said Iron Hill Brewery fired Jerrell McGirt after he complained about discriminatory treatment of women and Hispanic employees.

After alerting management to the problem, the company fired the sous chef-in-training, as reported WSB-TV. The legal documents also claimed that McGirt heard racial slurs frequently used at the establishment.

“He was subject to unwarranted disciplinary action and was subsequently terminated,” the EEOC said. Such alleged conduct violated Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits retaliation for protected activity and discrimination based on race,” the EEOC said in a statement.

Despite attempts to

Settled out of court, the matter proceeded to trial and subsequent settlement. Now, Iron Hill Brewery must pay McGirt relief compensation of more than $100,000. They will also provide a positive employer reference for McGirt as he pursues other opportunities.

“The EEOC filed this lawsuit to defend an employee’s right to report discrimination in the workplace,” Atlanta Regional District Attorney Marcus G. Keegan said in a statement. . “This settlement sends a strong message that the EEOC will continue to defend the rights of individuals who have the courage to speak out against discrimination against themselves or others in the workplace.”

Additionally, Iron Hill Brewery must train its employees on prohibiting racial discrimination and retaliation. Over the next three years, they will be required to provide examples of illegal workplace retaliation. Additionally, the company must establish an anti-retaliation policy.

The brewery, which is a national chain, has not yet commented publicly.

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