Well known Coffee Company Maxwell House Faced with Equality lawsuit
Many residents of Tennessee as well as many people across the United States want to feel respected when we go to work each day. We want the pay we deserve the work we do and we want to be treated well like every other coworker. However, sometimes in many workplaces this is not the case. Sometimes certain employees get treated differently because of their gender, disability, race, or just because the company views them as a little different from all of their other employees. Whatever the reason, this is against the law and should not be happening. If you feel that you have been treated differently or not properly respected by your workplace, then you should talk to a Tennessee employment lawyer right away. They will help make sure you get the compensation and respect that everyone deserves when they are at work.
In this case, The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission or EEOC filed a lawsuit against Maxwell House alleging that the coffee company discriminated against a female employee at a Jacksonville plant. The lawsuit claims that Francena Smith received harsher discipline than her male coworkers when they were involved in situations where coffee had been damaged. It also claims that Smith was fired in October 2008 because of her gender.
Smith was given her job back after union arbitration but this lawsuit seeks monetary damages. An attorney for the EEOC tried to settle with Maxwell House after an investigation, but had no success. Maxwell House’s discipline policy is an oral warning, a written warning, suspension and then termination. However, Smith was involved in an incident in June 2008 where coffee had been damaged and she was fired, while the male employee involved only received an oral warning. After the arbitration she received her job back but failed to receive any compensation.
The case is seeking both compensation and punitive damages. A Kraft Foods spokesman said, “We believe this complaint is without merit. I can assure you that Kraft Foods complies with all applicable employment laws. We will vigorously defend ourselves in this matter.”
Cases just like this one happen too often even right here in Tennessee. People should not have to be treated unfairly or with less respect because of their gender, race, disability or any other difference. All employees should have the same rights as stated by the law. If you feel that you or someone you know has experienced equality discrimination, you should contact one of our caring and experienced Tennessee employment attorneys immediately. We will work with you and make sure you get the compensation and respect you are entitled to.
Feel free to contact us online or call us at 800.705.2121 to set up a FREE consultation to discuss your case and your legal options.
Author Bio
Jim Higgins, founder of the Higgins Firm, is a seasoned personal injury attorney with deep roots in Nashville, Tennessee. A 4th generation Nashvillian, Jim carries on the legal legacy of his father, a judge for over 30 years. After graduating from the University of Memphis School of Law, Jim’s career began on the other side of the courtroom, defending insurance companies and learning their tactics for minimizing settlements. However, he soon realized his true calling was fighting for the rights of the injured, and for the past several years, he has exclusively represented plaintiffs in personal injury cases.
Since then, his dedication and skill have earned him membership in the prestigious Million Dollar Advocates Forum, an organization limited to attorneys who have secured million and multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements for their clients. Licensed to practice in Tennessee, Kentucky, and Georgia, Jim focuses on personal injury, product liability, medical malpractice, and workers’ compensation cases. His exceptional work has been recognized by his peers, earning him a spot on the Super Lawyers list from 2021 to 2024, a distinction awarded to only a select group of accomplished attorneys in each state.
