On December 9, 1999, a group of thirty-six African American employees filed a lawsuit, under 42 U.S.C. §1981, 42 U.S.C. §1981A, Title VII of U.S.C. §2000e, and 42 U.S.C. §1988, against Pemco Aeroplex, Inc. seeking monetary and injunctive relief. The plaintiffs, represented by private counsel, claimed that they were victims of racial discrimination which created a hostile working environment.

Debate over class certification ensued from 1999 to 2000. Ultimately, hearings on class certification halted, and plaintiffs withdrew their class allegations and moved to file an amended complaint. On October 12, 2000, the EEOC attempted to consolidate EEOC v. Pemco Aeroplex, Inc. (Case #00-cv-02762) with this case, and consolidation was granted in part (discovery only) and denied in part (trial judgment). Meanwhile, the plaintiffs filed Second and Third Amended Complaints on February 21, 2001, and July 10, 2001, respectively. On February 15, 2002, the EEOC made a second attempt to consolidate the two cases; however, the Court (Hon. William M. Acker, Jr.) denied the motion.

Of the original thirty-six plaintiffs, only nine had claims remaining against the defendant.

On July 1, 2002, the nine prevailing plaintiffs were awarded $10,501 each in damages. On October 16, 2002, they were awarded $225,000 in attorneys' fees and expenses to be divided among their counsel.

Katrina Campos - 07/28/2010


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