Company settles
Maui racial bias suit
WAILUKU >> United Parcel Service has agreed to pay $150,000 in a settlement of a racial bias lawsuit brought by a former Maui resident.
Carlos Harris, an African American, alleged he was fired by UPS for swearing on the job on Maui in 1998 while other drivers engaging in similar conduct were disciplined less harshly.
United Parcel denied the allegation but agreed to provide monetary relief.
The two-year consent decree also requires UPS to take steps to prevent future discrimination, including conducting periodic anti-discrimination training for all of its Hawaii employees.
William Tamayo, the commission's regional attorney, said while employers may take disciplinary action, it is critical that they ensure their managers and supervisors apply workplace rules evenly to all employees.
Tamayo said the consent decree was approved yesterday by U.S. District Court Judge Samuel King in Honolulu.
Harris is working in Ohio for another company, Tamayo said.