A crucial moment in the fight for civil rights unfolded in Michigan as the National Action Network (NAN) Michigan Chapter, led by Rev. Charles Williams II, joined forces with the plaintiffs known as the United Six+ to announce a significant development in their federal racism lawsuit against United Electrical Contractors (UEC). On July 17, at the US Eastern District Courthouse in Detroit and later at Packard Row in Ann Arbor, they revealed UEC’s admission of liability, marking a pivotal step forward in addressing and rectifying workplace racism.
Rev. Charles Williams II, standing strong with former employees of UEC and Attorney Richard Mack of Miller Cohen, shared the powerful news that UEC has admitted liability for the racially charged abuse and discrimination detailed in the lawsuit filed on January 20, 2022. This admission comes after over two years of relentless advocacy and legal battles, shining a harsh light on the company’s blatant mistreatment of its workers of color.
The lawsuit filed by the United Six+ revealed horrifying instances of racism at UEC. Supervisors and employees regularly subjected workers to vile racial slurs, including the N-word and “wetback,” and dehumanizing comments such as “Hurry up before I pull out my whip” and “Go back to your plantation.” Workers faced severe disparities in training opportunities and compensation and were ultimately fired for daring to raise their voices against such treatment.
“For over two years, we have been warning developers and decision-makers about the obscenely racist behavior of United Electrical Contractors, and many wanted to see the proof,” declared Rev. Williams, his voice echoing with the weight of justice long overdue. “Well, here it is. UEC has admitted liability for these horrific acts, and I don’t know why anyone would ever want to work with them again. I’m glad justice has finally been delivered for those harmed by United Electrical Contractors.”
Attorney Richard Mack, steadfast in his pursuit of justice, emphasized the rarity of such an admission by a defendant-employer. “This company has now admitted that it was legally responsible for what these nine brave plaintiffs alleged in their complaint. Read the complaint to see the horror of what these workers went through,” he urged. “Such an admission by a defendant-employer is very rare. But we are glad justice is being served.”
UEC’s admission includes a commitment to pay $430,000 to the plaintiffs and cover all their legal fees—a significant financial acknowledgment of wrongdoing. Yet, as Mack pointed out, the fight is far from over. “The problem is that the fight’s not over. Why is it not over? Because those same racist managers and supervisors are still working for United. They’re still being paid by United, and that same company, United, is still working all across Michigan, going to your local government entity, your local school, or wherever, still asking for contracts, still being hired by general contractors.”
Bill Davis, President of the National Action Network Detroit Chapter, called for a statewide boycott of UEC, underscoring the need for continued action. “We have a problem when we have racists who did these things still working on the jobs. The National Action Network is calling for a statewide boycott of United Electrical Contractors. We’re going to keep protesting. We won’t stand for it. Look where your dollars are going and stop letting your dollars go to racism.”
The emotional testimonies of the plaintiffs brought the reality of their ordeal into stark focus. Vance Murray, his voice tinged with frustration and hurt, expressed his bewilderment over the continued employment of the individuals responsible for the abuse. “If this can reach the ears of anyone who has the power, it’d be nice if this company can’t keep doing business, especially having the same people working there who are on this lawsuit, where it’s been admitted in court that yes, these things did happen. I’m still confused as to how these people still have jobs and I’d like some answers.”
Plaintiff Eric Burch, reflecting on the torment he endured, said, “There’s no amount of money they can pay us for what we went through. It was just constant torture. I just thank God that we’re here and the wheels of justice have turned.”
Brian Jones, a plaintiff from the Air King lawsuit, posed a poignant question to Michigan’s leadership. “This noose speaks for itself loud and clear. Off the ladder onto the noose for us. All I’m asking for is justice. They already admitted guilt in one lawsuit. Where are we at with ours? Here’s my question for the Governor: How and when will this stop? Why is this company still allowed to do business?”
The case against UEC not only exposes the rampant racism within the company but also ignites a broader conversation about accountability and justice in the workplace. The call for a boycott is a rallying cry for the community to stand against systemic racism and ensure that businesses engaging in such discriminatory practices are held accountable.
The fight for justice presses on, illuminated by the unwavering commitment of the National Action Network and the courage of the United Six+. Their steadfast pursuit of justice showcases the strength and resilience of the Black community, offering a vivid reminder of the importance of standing up against injustice. This victory exemplifies the power of collective action and the relentless pursuit of equality, urging us to remember that while the fight for civil rights is ongoing, every step forward is invaluable and necessary.