A group of current and former New Orleans Regional Transit Authority employees has filed a federal lawsuit claiming a culture of harassment, discrimination and retaliation.
The lawsuit was filed by 12 employees, some of whom are still employed, and outlines what they describe as unbearable conditions.
According to the lawsuit, employees say there is a systemic issue with racial slurs, sexual harassment, anti-gay comments and retaliation against employees who pushed back on leadership regarding the culture.
The lawsuit alleges that employees who spoke up about the issues were either punished, demoted, suspended or fired.
Workers claim in the lawsuit that sexual harassment complaints were not investigated and allege that some employees were physically assaulted on the job.
The lawsuit also details a Nov. 9, 2023, incident in which a marketing campaign featuring RTA workers was referred to as “the Hotties List.” The lawsuit alleges the chief of staff required that only “attractive” and “culturally ambiguous” staff could be featured in the photos.
Employees also claim they were forced to work in dangerous conditions, including defective buses and streetcars.
The lawsuit also alleges that the RTA kept workers misclassified to avoid having to pay overtime.
According to the lawsuit, the employees have recorded conversations with RTA executives allegedly admitting to many of the problems outlined in the lawsuit.
The employees are seeking back pay, compensation for emotional distress and punishment against the leaders accused in the lawsuit.
The city of New Orleans issued the following statement regarding the lawsuit:
“Stories like this underscore exactly why meaningful reform and structural change at the RTA are not optional, they are necessary. The Moreno administration remains committed to ensuring that every public agency operates with integrity, transparency, and respect for its workforce.”
READ MORE:New Orleans RTA lawsuit alleges discrimination, harassment
