Sweetgreen sued by workers at 7 New York restaurants for alleged racial discrimination

Ten (*7*)Sweetgreen staff are suing the salad chain, alleging racial discrimination at seven of its New York City restaurants.

The lawsuit, filed Thursday in New York Supreme Court within the Bronx, alleges that the plaintiffs’ co-workers and managers subjected them to each day use of the N-word and different racist feedback.

The criticism additionally alleges that managers failed to rent or promote certified Black staff and gave preferential remedy to Hispanic workers. The plaintiffs allege that retailer managers stated Hispanic folks work more durable than African Americans and referred to as Black staff lazy.

The plaintiffs additionally declare complaints to higher administration, together with Sweetgreen’s human assets division, have been ignored for years.

The lawsuit claims managers sexually harassed feminine workers, making sexual feedback and touching them inappropriately.

“At Sweetgreen, we’re dedicated to range in addition to a secure and inclusive office. We take these accusations significantly and don’t tolerate any type of harassment, discrimination, or unsafe working circumstances,” a Sweetgreen spokesperson stated in an announcement to CNBC.

The spokesperson stated the corporate was unable to remark additional on pending authorized issues.

The plaintiffs are in search of financial and punitive damages and fee of attorneys’ charges.

The lawsuit was initially filed in March with solely two plaintiffs. Thursday’s amended criticism consists of eight new plaintiffs and provides extra restaurants.

The seven Manhattan areas named within the lawsuit embody restaurants within the Meatpacking District, the Financial District, Greenwich Village, Midtown East, the Upper East Side and the Upper West Side.

Companies are liable for their managers’ discriminatory conduct below New York City legislation.

The lawsuit additionally names two of Sweetgreen’s “head coaches,” or basic managers, as defendants.