Black Employees’ Bias Suit Against South Carolina Steel Firm Proceeds

A federal appeals court has revived a discrimination lawsuit by some black mill workers who say they worked in a racially hostile environment at a Nucor Steel mill in South Carolina.

The Post and Courier of Charleston reported that the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals has ruled that the case against Nucor can go forward with class-action status. The case has been sent back to federal district court in Charleston.

The lawsuit says racial slurs were broadcast over the mill’s radio system, racially charged e-mails were circulated and some employees used racial slurs when referring to black workers. It also alleges that the mill in Berkeley County discriminated against blacks in making promotions.

A call to a Nucor Steel attorney was not immediately returned.