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SOUTHEAST TEXAS RECORD

Friday, March 29, 2024

Ex-workers allege Saia Motor Freight guilty of racial discrimination

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HOUSTON – Two former employees are suing a Dallas trucking firm, alleging they and 10 other African-Americans were fired because they were black.

Robert Harris and Kenneth Martin filed a lawsuit on Dec. 7 against Saia Motor Freight Line LLC in the Houston Division of the Southern District of Texas, alleging discrimination based upon race.

According to the lawsuit, once Don Langford became the assistant terminal manager for SAIA’s Houston terminal he told someone SAIA ``wouldn’t have another colored in management" and referred to Martin as ``Blue” because he believed Martin was “so black” that he looked blue.

In fall 2013, the suit says, Langford began firing black employees from the Houston terminal. The complaint says on the same day they were fired, they were replaced by white males. The suit states SAIA fired more than 10 black males at the Houston terminal during December 2013.

Martin and Harris seek back pay from Dec. 18, 2013, front pay, compensatory and punitive damages, plus court costs. They are represented by attorneys Linda D. King and Mark D. Goranson of Houston.

Houston Division of the Southern District Court Case number 4:15-cv-03536

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