After former and current female employees sued the Black News Channel for gender discrimination, the National Association of Black Journalists has begun to press the channel. These allegations allege that there was a gender-segregated workplace in which female employees were paid less than their male counterparts.
The NABJ stated Monday that BNC had agreed to meet with its board. The association stated that it hopes the network will take prompt steps to address its concerns. “remedy any disparities”The news agency.
“The National Association of Black Journalists is disgusted by the allegations of harassment, gender discrimination, and gender-based pay disparities detailed in a lawsuit filed by former employees of the Black News Channel (BNC). Our Board members have spoken with current and former employees of BNC who corroborate many of the disturbing claims playing out in the court system. NABJ calls for immediate change within the culture of the organization,”The Statement said.
Thirteen women filed a lawsuit against the Florida-based network of gender discrimination. The company was accused of unequal pay for women employees and a culture that encouraged them to leave. “to conform to sexist or misogynistic stereotypes about how women are supposed to behave.”
In an amended complaint filed in Cook County Circuit Court earlier this month, the 13 plaintiffs claim that female employees at the 2-year old network were disciplined or terminated for being too vocal, pushy, or aggressive. This created a hostile workplace for women and paid them thousands of dollars less annually than their male counterparts.
In a statement provided to , a rep for BNC said the company plans to challenge the suit; further, that the company takes seriously any unprofessional and inappropriate conduct in the workplace and has investigated the claims made in the suit — without noting the outcome of its investigations.
Claudia Jean, talent producer, Maria Roach, Felicia Burton, newsroom executive Felicia, and Lauren Coleman are the plaintiffs. Kyra Branch is line producer, Kisha Wilkinson is part-time assignment editor, and Kyra Branch is the producer. Six additional plaintiffs are also listed. “Jane Doe”On the complaint. Branch and the unnamed plaintiff remain at BNC. All others have been fired or resigned.