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Judge Clears Way for Boeing Discrimination Suit

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"We strongly disagree with this procedural decision and we are considering our options," including an appeal, said Boeing spokesman Ken Mercer.

The 55 initial plaintiffs are among some 1,500 Boeing engineers with ethnic ties to seven southern Asian countries who were unfairly denied pay raises and promotions, said their attorney, Harish Bharti.

"Boeing offered to settle or mediate on an individual basis, but I didn't agree," Bharti said by telephone. "My clients have taken this abuse and discrimination for years."

Bharti said he would seek punitive damages and a level playing field for employees from seven countries: Afghanistan (news - web sites), Cambodia, India, Iran, Pakistan, the Philippines and Vietnam.

U.S. District Court Judge Robert Lasnik certified the group's class status last Wednesday, court documents show.

Initiated in 1999, the case is similar to previous class action lawsuits brought by women and minorities who claimed Boeing and McDonnell Douglas, which Boeing bought in 1997, had allowed racist or sexist treatment of its employees.

Boeing denied any official discrimination in those cases but agreed to pay millions and conceded some mistreatment may have occurred, noting the difficulty in ensuring legal compliance in a company with nearly 200,000 workers.

"Boeing is committed to a work environment where every employee feels respected and is recognized for their contributions," Mercer said.

But Bharti said many Asian employees are afraid to ask for more money, citing cultural deference and fears of retribution.

Boeing management blamed poor communications skills for Asians' lack of advancement, Bharti alleged, saying one manager likened his clients to "barking dogs."

"They were treated horribly. It was a hostile work environment," Bharti said.

Mercer said Boeing officials believe the case has no merit, but he declined to comment on any specific charges.

"We are always evaluating and improving our procedures to ensure that any type of behavior like that is not tolerated," Mercer added.

Boeing in September 1999 agreed to pay $14.2 million to settle discrimination charges brought by African-American employees, including $6.5 million to some 3,600 workers.

Two months later Boeing struck a deal with the U.S. Labor Department (news - web sites) to pay $4.5 million to female and minority workers who claimed they were paid less than white male colleagues.