Equal Employment Opportunity Commission vs. United Airlines, Inc.

Case Background

On September 4, 2024, Plaintiff Equal Employment Opportunity Commission filed Racial discrimination in the United States District Court, District of Colorado (Case number: 1:24cv2438). Judge Regina M. Rodriguez presided over this case.

Cause

Alsunbayar “Bondok” Davaabat, an Asian American of Mongolian descent, began working for United Airlines as a Transportation Agent on February 11, 2019, at the Denver Catering facility. From the start of his employment, Davaabat endured racial discrimination. For approximately six months, his coworkers consistently referred to him as “Chinaman,” despite his requests to be called by his preferred nickname, “Bondok.” This behavior caused significant distress, dehumanizing and disrespecting his identity. On January 11, 2021, Davaabat experienced a particularly egregious incident of workplace harassment. While walking to dispose of his food tray in the cafeteria, he encountered Terry McGurk, a Senior Manager. McGurk directed a racial slur, “chink,” at Davaabat in front of coworkers and physically twisted his arm under the pretense of checking his employee badge. McGurk then slapped Davaabat on the back and threatened his job security in a hostile and discriminatory manner. These actions occurred in a crowded lunchroom, where other employees witnessed the humiliation. Despite Davaabat immediately reporting the incident to his supervisor, United Airlines failed to take meaningful action to address the harassment or ensure his saf