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A former Southwest Airlines staff member filed a racial discrimination case against the company earlier this week, alleging that his colleagues had created a "white-only" break room at Hobby Airport in Texas.
In the lawsuit filed in Houston, Texas on Wednesday, Jamel Parker of Harris County said Southwest authorized the "whites-only" break room and fostered an environment where black employees were victims of extreme racial discrimination.
Parker revealed that the break room was used for several years until it was removed as part of a recent remodel. The former employee also testified that other staff members hung a noose at Hobby Airport Gate 45 which had remained in place for the four years he was employed by the company.
The lawsuit indicates that Parker became acquainted with the "white only" playroom in August 2013, which continued to run until 2016 or 2017. Parker also alleges that his supervisor authorized the operation of the room despite his racial connotations.
"The Southwest quickly puts blacks on fire, while whites have less discipline and are less likely to improve their behavior," the lawsuit says.
Southwest Airlines responded to the lawsuit in a statement to ABC-7 on Thursday:
"We would not be able to comment on litigation issues, but we are pleased to have the opportunity to point out that Southwest is and has always been a company that puts its employees first.
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"We work tirelessly to foster a diverse and inclusive environment. We do not tolerate or tolerate discrimination, and we cultivate a workplace that reflects the customers we serve.
"Southwest Airlines is an equal opportunities employer and prides itself on an open and inclusive work environment that consistently ranks as one of the best places to work in the world. We employ more than 57,000 people who offer the world's best welcome to our more than 120 million annual customers when they travel on the Southwest network.
"Our people are our greatest asset and our goal is to support our employees and customers from all walks of life."
Parker began his job at AirTran in 2008 and was technically employed by Southwest in 2013 after the merger of the two companies.
In April 2017, Southwest fired Parker after damaging a vehicle it was operating during his employment and did not report it immediately.
Parker claims that his dismissal was another example of racial discrimination against black employees, as two white employees had damaged vehicles, had not reported and received only notices.
Southwest Airlines did not immediately respond to NewsweekRequest for comment.
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