Michael Singleton, a former employee of a major telecommunications company, has filed a lawsuit alleging racial discrimination and wrongful termination. On December 4, 2024, Singleton lodged his complaint against AT&T Corporation in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois. The case highlights serious allegations against the corporation, claiming violations of both Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA).
Singleton's legal battle with AT&T stems from what he describes as discriminatory practices during his tenure at the company from June 12, 2000, to December 12, 2023. Singleton asserts that he was subjected to less favorable treatment compared to his non-black colleagues. According to the complaint, starting around 2022, Singleton began experiencing harsher disciplinary actions than those meted out to similarly situated non-black employees for comparable infractions. He claims that after voicing concerns about this inequitable treatment, his supervisors retaliated by fabricating accusations of noncompliance which led to unwarranted inquiries and disciplinary measures.
The situation escalated when Singleton was terminated on December 12, 2023—just one and a half years shy of qualifying for a significantly higher pension tier. Singleton argues that this termination was strategically timed to prevent him from securing these enhanced retirement benefits. His complaint details various incidents where he believes racial bias influenced disciplinary decisions: from vehicle accident suspensions to accusations regarding workplace safety violations. In contrast, similar or more severe incidents involving non-black employees reportedly resulted in less severe consequences.
Singleton's lawsuit seeks compensation for lost wages since December 2023 and damages related to missed pension benefits that would have accrued had he remained employed until June 2025. He demands a minimum of $600,000 in damages under Title VII for back pay and reputational harm. Additionally, under ERISA claims, he seeks another $600,000 for lost health and pension benefits due to what he alleges was an unlawful termination designed to interfere with his retirement plan rights.
Representing Michael Singleton is attorney Caryn I. Shaw from Shaw Legal Services Ltd., based in Chicago. The case is presided over by judges in the Northern District of Illinois under Case ID: 1:24-cv-12485.