Globe Life Says It May Face EEOC Lawsuit Over Alleged Discrimination

Globe Life may face a lawsuit from the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) over alleged discrimination against six of its sales agents, the insurer disclosed in a regulatory filing on Friday.

The EEOC, a federal body responsible for enforcing laws prohibiting employment discrimination, had said there was “reasonable cause” to believe the agents were discriminated against on the basis of sex, the filing showed.

It also alleged that one of the insurer’s agents was discriminated against on the basis of race. Of the six complainants, five are former and one is a current sales agent.

“In the event the EEOC elects to pursue any claims in court, the company intends to defend against any such lawsuit vigorously,” Globe Life said, adding it had policies in place that prohibit discrimination.

It also said the EEOC provides for a conciliation process that could lead to a potential resolution. The federal agency’s findings are not binding on the company, it added.

Currently, the matter is not expected to result in a material loss for the company, Globe Life said.

Spokespeople for the company did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment. The EEOC referred questions to the Department of Justice, which declined to comment.

(Reporting by Nishant in Bengaluru; Editing by Anil D’Silva and Krishna Chandra Eluri)