Liberty Oilfield Services, LLC, operating under Liberty Energy, Inc., is facing legal action from the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) following allegations of discrimination and harassment at its Odessa, Texas facility. The EEOC lawsuit, filed in U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas, Midland-Odessa Division, asserts that Liberty Oilfield Services subjected three mechanics to a hostile work environment based on race and national origin.
According to the EEOC, the discriminatory behavior included the use of racial slurs and derogatory language directed at a Black mechanic and two Hispanic co-workers. These slurs reportedly included the N-word, along with offensive terms such as “beaner” and “wetback.” Despite multiple reports made by the affected employees to supervisors, management, and Human Resources, Liberty Oilfield Services allegedly failed to take adequate corrective action to address the discriminatory conduct.
The lawsuit further claims that after reporting the harassment, the Black mechanic faced retaliation in the form of undesirable work assignments and social isolation from colleagues, seemingly orchestrated by management. The EEOC argues that the lack of meaningful intervention from Liberty Oilfield Services left the mechanic with no option but to resign from his position.
The EEOC contends that Liberty Oilfield Services’ alleged actions violate Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which explicitly prohibits workplace discrimination based on race and national origin. The EEOC initially attempted to reach a settlement with Liberty Oilfield Services through a conciliation process before proceeding with the lawsuit, Civil Action No. 7:23-cv-100. Through this litigation, the EEOC is seeking remedies for the three mechanics, including back pay, compensatory and punitive damages, and injunctive relief. This injunctive relief aims to prevent Liberty Oilfield Services from engaging in discriminatory practices in the future and ensure a respectful workplace environment.
Joel Clark, trial attorney at the EEOC’s Dallas District Office, stated, “These workers were the targets of many instances of flagrant harassment, but employees are neither required nor expected to submit to a hostile work environment because of their race or ethnicity. They should have a reasonable expectation that their employer will make an earnest effort to maintain a respectful workplace.”
Robert Canino, Dallas EEOC Regional Attorney, added, “It is not uncommon to see the tentacles of prejudice wrap around more than one group of workers at the same jobsite. The negative impact was allowed to continue when requests for relief from discrimination fell on the disinterested ears of the employer. It’s now incumbent on the EEOC to seek that relief and broader corrective and preventative measures against the discrimination through federal court action.”
This lawsuit underscores the EEOC’s commitment to enforcing federal laws against employment discrimination and ensuring equal opportunity in the workplace. More information regarding race and color discrimination can be found on the EEOC website, and resources on harassment are also available for both employers and employees. The outcome of this case against Liberty Oilfield Services will be closely watched as it highlights the critical importance of addressing and preventing workplace discrimination and harassment within the oilfield services industry and beyond.
