Nextel Employees Allege Bias

Employees of Nextel Communications Inc. accused the wireless company of widespread racial, sexual and age discrimination. In a complaint filed with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, lawyers for 302 current and former Nextel employees from 11 states, including California, also asked permission to file a separate, civil rights class-action lawsuit seeking millions of dollars from the company. “This company is run like a plantation,” said attorney Jeffrey K. Brown of Carle Place, N.Y. “The problem is so severe and so pervasive that this is the only thing can be done. Our clients have been subjected to emotional and physical harassment.” Former Nextel employee, Vernon T. Ozawa, 47, of Aurora, Colo., said that he was subjected to racial slurs because of his mixed Japanese and Latino heritage. The plaintiffs, most of whom are black, say they were consistently passed over for raises and promotions in favor of less-qualified white colleagues. Nextel, which is based in Reston, Va., gave a written statement asserting its commitment to a discrimination-free workplace. But the company said its attorneys had not seen the complaints and therefore could not comment on them. The EEOC typically takes 180 days to investigate a complaint and try to negotiate a solution. Failing that, the plaintiffs may sue on their own. Nextel’s Class A shares fell $4.38 to close at $64.06 on Nasdaq.