TULSA -- A national investigation reveals one of Tulsa's largest temp agencies is accused of racial discrimination when it comes to placing workers with certain businesses.
A former Stand-By Personnel employee alleges workers used a coding system to aid client businesses that requested not to be sent certain employees.
For example, the code sheet reportedly used a solid black dot for black employees who applied, a circle for Hispanics, and an X for American Indians.
Job orders obtained from Stand-By Personnel allegedly contained notes stating "men only," "no one over 35-years-old," "prefer Hispanic," "no women," and "good ol' boy as per customer," "no b ppl @ Sapulpa locations."
Legal expert, Gary Richardson, says it all comes down to who did the hiring when it comes to discrimination.
"If the employer says only send us whites, or any other violation of title seven, which is age, gender, religion etc, then the agency sending those is not making the decision on the hiring."
Richardson says the businesses using the temp agency would be to blame in this case. Mark Morris, owner of Stand-By Personnel, had no comment on the lawsuit, but court records show he admitted the coding system was authentic, but that it does not reflect company police.
Robert Sartin, one of the attorneys for Stand-By Personnel, issued the statement below Tuesday.
Stand-By Personnel has been in business in Tulsa for over 20 years and in that time has provided employment opportunities for tens of thousands of Tulsans. Stand-By is proud of its record of providing employment opportunities in a non-discriminatory manner to people of all races and ethnic backgrounds, and both sexes. Stand-By looks forward to continuing to serve the temporary staffing needs of Tulsa area employers, and continuing to assist Tulsa area residents who are looking for gainful employment.
Now, a lawsuit filed by five former Stand-By job applicants requests a Tulsa County judge grant a class-action status. That has yet to be decided.
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