The Region - News from Aug. 30, 1987

Nearly 80 members and former members of the Los Angeles City Department of Airports filed a class-action suit in Los Angeles Superior Court charging that they have been the victims of discrimination. The action claims that blacks, Latinos and women have been denied employment benefits, transfers, promotions, pay rates and educational benefits available to white men. The suit seeks unspecified punitive damages, back pay, retroactive promotions and attorney fees. About a year ago, retired Superior Court Judge Delbert Wong concluded in a report that minorities in the 190-officer airport police bureau had been discriminated against. Assistant City Atty. Jim Pearson maintained that the allegations are without merit.