Complaint: Racial slurs, threats at Daimler plant

PORTLAND, Ore. — Oregon Labor Commissioner Brad Avakian has filed a complaint against Daimler  Trucks North America, alleging that five employees at its Portland plant were subjected to racial slurs and threats.

A statement Wednesday from Avakian says that among the allegations is that a Daimler employee threatened a black co-worker with a noose, saying he’d drag the African-American behind a car.

The complaint says the company failed to take “appropriate corrective action.”

Avakian said such a complaint leads to an investigation, and if the allegations bear out, workers could be awarded damages including back pay if they’ve quit.

A statement from Daimler said it doesn’t tolerate discrimination, is cooperating with the investigation, has hired an outside investigator to look into the allegations and is now conducting “face-to-face anti-harassment training.”