Co-op worker wasn’t an ‘employee,’ court rules

MANHATTAN — A federal court in New York dismissed a former co-op market member’s race discrimination claim against the co-op, which allegedly terminated his membership because he’s Black. An associate allegedly confronted him about his choice of rap, soul and R&B music during his shift as squad leader before he was filed. Because his only compensation was the benefit of being able to shop there, he was not an employee under Title VII because this is not a form of remuneration acknowledged under the employment discrimination law.