A former employee has filed a lawsuit against AGI Cargo, LLC, alleging race-based discrimination, harassment, and retaliation. The complaint was filed by Brandon Brown in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois on August 23, 2024.
Brandon Brown claims that he faced unfair treatment during his tenure as a Ramp Lead at AGI Cargo from March 31, 2022, until his termination on July 31, 2024. According to the complaint, Brown alleges that he was subjected to different terms and conditions of employment compared to non-African American employees. He asserts that these discriminatory practices began around July 15, 2024, when he learned that he might be replaced by a less experienced Caucasian employee.
The situation escalated on July 23, 2024, when Brown's work schedule was abruptly changed without prior notice or clear instructions. This led to confusion and frustration for Brown, who expressed his concerns in a group chat. However, instead of addressing his grievances, Brown was removed from the group chat and left without any means to contact his superiors for guidance. Consequently, he waited in the facility's parking garage hoping to find someone who could provide him with directions.
On July 24, 2024, Brown was informed by his duty manager Taddarian Husband that he would be replaced as Ramp Lead by a Caucasian employee with less experience. Later that day, during a meeting with Husband and other senior staff members including Director of Ramp Operations Thomas Debeau and HR Generalists Alicia (LNU) and Melissa Vasquez, Brown explained the lack of clear instructions regarding his work schedule. Despite this explanation and his complaints about discriminatory treatment, Brown was suspended for "stealing time."
Brown continued to voice his concerns through an email to HR on July 26, 2024. He stated that his replacement by a less experienced Caucasian employee constituted racial discrimination and that his suspension was retaliatory. However, HR did not respond or investigate these allegations. Just days later on July 31, 2024, Brown's employment was terminated.
In the lawsuit filed under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and Section 1981 of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 as amended (42 U.S.C §2000e et seq.), Brown seeks redress for race-based discrimination and harassment as well as retaliation for engaging in protected activities such as reporting discriminatory practices. He is requesting back pay with interest; compensatory and punitive damages; reasonable attorneys’ fees and costs; pre-judgment interest if applicable; and any other relief deemed just by the court.
The case is being handled by Nathan C. Volheim from Sulaiman Law Group Ltd., while AGI Cargo has yet to respond publicly to these allegations. The case ID is Case:1:24-cv-07611.