The Wide Angle Volume 2, Issue 5 August/September 1997

The Case Against Coke

A former Coca-Cola employee has filed a size discrimination suit in San Francisco against the company. Roy Fairchild worked for Coca- Cola for 13 years and claims he was subjected to harassment and humiliation, denied promotions and disciplined unfairly by Coca-Cola management. Fairfield’s suit also presents evidence that Coke has put its anti-fat policies in writing.

According to a memo written by Coca-Cola sales manager Dave Meeks, all district managers were instructed to "hire people that will help you succeed! Here is a tip to live by: If they are fat and slow when you interview them, they are going to be the same when they work here."

The suit also says Meeks created a hostile work environment for the plaintiff by making mocking comments during a sales force meeting. Meeks called attention to the fact that everyone received official sales jackets except Fairchild because the company didn’t have one in size extra, extra, extra large.

Fairchild complained to his immediate supervisors about the memo but received no response. He then complained in writing to Coke’s corporate headquarters. Fairchild claims that, after the formal complaint was filed, his bosses began to subject him to verbal abuse and filed written complaints about his work which resulted in disciplinary actions including a one-week suspension. The suit also charges the he was denied promotions due to Coca-Cola’s discriminatory policies against fat people.

You can let Coke know how you feel about their hiring and employment practices with regards to fat people by calling 1-800-438-2653.

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