A Mercedes-Benz dealership in Manhattan is now being faced with a lawsuit in the New York Federal Court by two former employees who claim that they were fired after addressing the issue of racism in the workplace.
Burnell Guyton, 54, and Andre Grammer, 44, both African American, allege to have found racist graffiti including swastikas, a stick figure hanging from a noose with Guyton’s name underneath, graphic sexual drawings and racially derogatory statements on several occasions in a bathroom stall regularly used by employees.
When they confronted their superiors about the issue, the lawsuit claims they were ostracized from the company and shortly after fired.
Grammer stated in the lawsuit “we were fired for standing up for our rights.”
Mercedes-Benz of Manhattan, a flagship dealership being the only one owned and operated by Mercedes-Benz USA, released an e-mailed statement to Automotive News denying the charges against them.
“We pride ourselves in providing an inclusive and supportive environment at Mercedes-Benz Manhattan…This lawsuit was originated by an employee who was terminated for cause and another one voluntarily resigned without cause or provocation.”
By Jeff Perez
Story References: AutoNews
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