OAKLAND, Calif. -- A class-action complaint alleging racial discrimination at Albertson's, Boise, Idaho, was filed here last week by 12 African-American employees of the chain.
An Albertson's spokeswoman said the company is aware of the suit because of media reports but has not yet been served. "Albertson's does not discriminate on the basis of race or sex," she told SN last week. "We take affirmative steps to ensure a diverse work force is in place."
According to the complaint, Albertson's and Lucky Stores, which was acquired by Albertson's in 1999 as part of the American Stores Co. acquisition, have a glass ceiling that prevents African-American employees from being promoted to the position of assistant manager or higher.
The complaint alleges that bids for job openings are often not posted or are posted only after the opening has already been given to a non-African-American employee.
Most of the 12 individuals named in the complaint have worked for Albertson's or Lucky for more than 10 years, including one who has been employed for 31 years and another for 26 years, according to the complaint. It also said several had been told, when they asked why they were not chosen for a job opening, preferred schedule or management training program, that they did not have enough seniority.