Black Caregivers Challenge Arcadia’s Alleged Policy of Honoring Client Discrimination

ANN ARBOR, Mich. (CN) - Black home caregivers have filed a class action against Arcadia Services in Washtenaw County Court, challenging its policy of "honoring its clients' racial preferences" in assigning caregivers. A sales manager allegedly told them during training, "If someone calls in and says, 'I don't want a Mexican' we don't send a Mexican," and, "If someone goes into Sears and they want a yellow battery, Sears can't force them to buy a black battery."

The plaintiffs say statements like the ones made by sales and marketing director Lorrie Zorby encouraged a discriminatory policy that cost them work opportunities.

They say Arcadia's vice president, Phyllis Pheeney, told the employees to "let the client discriminate" by allowing the client to choose between three caregivers.

The plaintiffs also claim the company retaliates against employees who refuse to blindly adhere to the policy and gives white employees more favorable schedules, including weekends off.

The plaintiffs demand more than $1 million, saying the policy cost them work. They are represented by James Fett with Fett & Fields P.C. of Pinckney, Mich.

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