Delta Faces Racial Bias Lawsuit

Three Delta Air Lines Inc. employees are suing the third-largest U.S. air carrier for racial discrimination, alleging they were denied promotions and raises and treated unequally because they are black. The employees, who are suing in U.S. District Court in Atlanta, are represented by Birmingham, Ala., lawyer Byron Perkins, who assisted in a racial discrimination suit against Coca-Cola Co. that ended in November with a nearly $200-million settlement. The plaintiffs are seeking a jury trial and unspecified damages. Officials of Atlanta-based Delta said they intend to fight the allegations. Separately, Delta asked a federal appeals court to halt what it called a concerted no-overtime campaign by pilots during their contract talks, a campaign it blames for widespread flight cancellations and delays during the holidays. Delta also said it will take a $60-million fourth-quarter charge for an accounting change linked to fuel hedging and its Priceline.com Inc. stake. Shares fell 31 cents to close at $48.06 on the New York Stock Exchange.