Black workers charge MCI with discrimination

Jet, March 18, 2002

Fifteen current and former Black and Hispanic employees of MCI recently filed complaints against the Arlington, VA-based telecommunications giant alleging discrimination.

The employees, including nine workers in MCI's Uniondale, NY, office, allege that their supervisors denied them permanent jobs and promotions because of their race and created a hostile work environment, Newsday reported.

One of the law firms representing the workers, Leeds Morelli & Brown in Carle Place, NY, filed the complaints with the EEOC. The law firm expects to file more complaints because more than 100 Black and Hispanic MCI employees nationwide have retained the firm.

Julie Moore, spokeswoman for MCI's parent company, WorldCom Inc., said the company doesn't comment on potential litigation, but added that "WorldCom is committed to equal employment opportunity," Newsday reported.