A Hispanic machine operator for Coca-Cola Bottling Co. United alleges supervisors overlooked her for training and promotions, instead elevating white men, before she was wrongfully fired a year ago, according to a lawsuit filed this week in federal court.
Lucia Gonzalez worked for the bottling company in Chattanooga and was employed from Dec. 29, 2020, to Oct. 11, 2023, her lawsuit says. She is seeking $500,000 in compensatory damages.
Gonzalez worked as a machine operator and told management that career advancement within the company was important to her. She had no significant work issues until she began complaining in January 2022 that she was not being promoted while white men — “who were less qualified and had been employed less time” — were moving up the ranks, the lawsuit said.
“Coca-Cola United remains dedicated to upholding our core values of quality, excellence, integrity and respect, and ensuring that all associates are treated fairly and equitably,” the company said in a statement Thursday. “While we cannot comment on the specifics of the case due to the ongoing legal process, we intend to address the matter through the appropriate legal channels.”
(READ MORE: Remember When, Chattanooga? Coke tasted best in a little green bottle)