Sparkletts, Black Drivers Settle Bias Suit for $1.24 Million

Black truck drivers who deliver Sparkletts water in the Los Angeles area will share in a $1.24-million settlement of a class-action lawsuit that charged the bottled water company’s former owner with racial discrimination, the federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission announced this week.

The drivers accused McKesson Water Products Co. of assigning African American employees to so-called “ghetto routes” in low-income neighborhoods, which are less profitable than those in more affluent communities.

Because pay and promotions were tied to the profitability of routes, black drivers invariably made less money than their white colleagues, according to the lawsuit filed in 1998.

U.S. District Judge Florence-Marie Cooper approved the settlement in March and ratified a formula to distribute the money two weeks ago.

Antonio Lawson, an Oakland attorney who represented the workers, said that about 85 current and former McKesson drivers will soon receive checks ranging from about $1,000 to $27,000 each.

Two years ago, McKesson was acquired by the French conglomerate, Groupe Danone, which assumed responsibility for implementing the settlement.

In addition to the money, the company has agreed to implement a wide range of anti-discrimination policies, including a formal job-bidding system and new criteria to determine route assignments, compensation, promotions and performance evaluations.

Anna Y. Park, regional counsel for the EEOC, praised Groupe Danone, saying that it inherited the problem and has demonstrated a sincere commitment to nondiscrimination in the workplace.

The EEOC investigated the drivers’ claims and joined in their suit against McKesson.

“We look forward to moving ahead with Danone’s culture and values to ensure that our company is a great place to work for all employees,” said Michael Harrison, vice president and general counsel for Danone.

Park said the EEOC will work with Danone over the next five years to see that the settlement is fully implemented.