News Article

Laid-off Workers Can Receive Enhanced Benefits and Participate In Race Bias Suit

The Atlanta Journal and Constitution

Published: March 04, 2000

ATLANTA -- In a sudden and rare about-face, Coca-Cola said Friday it will allow laid-off black employees to participate in the racial discrimination lawsuit against the company while still qualifying for enhanced severance benefits.

Coke's move, described by observers as a wise public relations decision, came just 24 hours before African-American employees were scheduled to meet at a Decatur church to talk about actions they might take to try to change the company's mind.

"I am simply overjoyed," said Larry Jones, a laid-off manager and chief organizer of today's meeting at St. Philip A.M.E. Church. "I think this is a tremendous victory for all employees --- not just black employees --- and, in the end, it's a victory for the company. . . . We will absolutely have a monumental celebration. It will sound like Sunday morning in the sanctuary. "

"We are delighted by the company's change of position," said plaintiffs' attorney Cyrus Mehri. "As we've always maintained, this is the right thing to do. "