Black Employees Urged to Boycott Coca-Cola

A former Coca-Cola Co. benefits manager called for black employees worldwide to boycott the company, which is trying to settle a federal racial-bias lawsuit by black employees. “So, today we tell you effective April 19, 2000, black employees around the world will stop buying Coca-Cola,” Larry Jones told shareholders at an annual meeting dominated more by social than financial issues. Jones worked for the world’s largest soft drink producer for 15 years but was laid off this year as part of an announced cutback of 5,200 jobs. Atlanta-based Coca-Cola is seeking to settle the federal lawsuit, which was filed last year by former and current black employees who allege the company tolerated discrimination in pay, promotions and performance reviews. Executive Vice President Carl Ware, the highest-ranking African American in Coca-Cola, said he thought the boycott was unjustified. “We intend to be the premier company in the world when it comes to diversity. We had hoped that [a boycott] would not be the case.” Coca-Cola shares closed up 56 cents at $49.19 on the New York Stock Exchange.