On June 22, 1994, four black employees working as janitors in the housekeeping department of the Metropolitan Pier and Exposition Authority filed a lawsuit under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, 42 U.S.C. § 2000e et seq., and 42 U.S.C. § 1981 against their employer, a municipal corporation that manages convention and exposition activities at Chicago's Navy Pier and McCormick Place, in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois. The plaintiffs, represented by private counsel, alleged racial discrimination. They specifically alleged that they were subject to a discriminatory disciplinary policy and sought injunctive relief and damages. They also alleged unequal employment opportunities in transfers, hours, and assignments as unscheduled walk-ins. Finally, they alleged verbal abuse and racial harassment.

On September 13, 1995, the court (Judge Brian Barnett Duff) granted the plaintiffs' motion for class certification. The class consisted of black janitors, with membership opening date of October 2, 1990 for Title VII claims and July 14, 1991 for Section 1981 claims. While conducting discovery the parties pursued settlement negotiations and on February 21, 1997, the court (Judge Charles R. Norgle Sr.) approved a settlement agreement. Under the agreement the class members, the class representatives, and their attorneys received a total of $1.2 million.

Michael Perry - 08/05/2010


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