Coke Bias Settlement Approved by Judge

A federal judge approved a $192.5-million settlement between Coca-Cola Co. and more than 2,000 of its black workers in the largest racial discrimination case ever.

U.S. District Judge Richard Story, who promised to issue a written order sealing the settlement within the next week, said he was surprised by the company’s willingness to agree to all the terms of the agreement.

The world’s No. 1 soft drink company agreed late last year to tentatively settle a lawsuit filed by a group of black workers who had accused the company of discriminating against blacks in pay, promotions and performance reviews. The company has consistently denied the charges.

“We are pleased that Judge Story has approved the settlement, which we have long maintained is meaningful and equitable for all parties,” Coca-Cola spokesman Ben Deutsch said.

The settlement covers about 2,200 current and former people who worked for the Atlanta-based company between April 22, 1995, and June 14, 2000. The workers will receive on average $39,000 each from the settlement.

Coca-Cola also has agreed to set up an independent panel to monitor the company’s diversity initiatives.