Massive Reduction In Jury Verdict For UPS Driver Discrimination Case

Gavel being struck near scales of justice.

A federal judge has significantly reduced a multi-million dollar jury verdict awarded to a former UPS driver in a racial discrimination case, cutting the amount from $237.6 million to $39.6 million.

At a Glance

Judge Thomas Rice eliminated $198 million in punitive damages from the original jury verdict
The $39.6 million award for emotional distress remains intact
Former UPS driver Tahvio Gratton alleged racial discrimination and unfair treatment
UPS plans to challenge the remaining verdict and seek a new trial

Jury Verdict Slashed in UPS Racial Discrimination Case

In a significant development, a federal judge has reduced a $237.6 million jury award against UPS to $39.6 million in a case involving workplace bias and the wrongful firing of a black former driver, Tahvio Gratton. Judge Thomas Rice of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Washington accepted UPS’ request to eliminate $198 million in punitive damages, stating that the jury acted unreasonably in its initial decision.

Judge reduces UPS driver's $237.6 million bias verdict to $39.6 million https://t.co/59tdRyC1LZ pic.twitter.com/dZnybTxt90

— Reuters (@Reuters) November 18, 2024

The case, filed as Gratton v United Parcel Service Inc, No. 22-03149, has drawn attention to issues of racial discrimination in the workplace. Gratton alleged that he was passed over for assignments and given less desirable routes compared to white drivers. He also reported being called “boy” by a younger white supervisor, who defended the language by saying, “I’m from the South. That’s how I talk.”

UPS Challenges Remaining Verdict

While the punitive damages have been eliminated, the $39.6 million award for emotional distress remains. However, UPS is not satisfied with this outcome and plans to challenge the remaining verdict. The company has announced its intention to seek a new trial to overturn the decision entirely.

Judge Rice found no evidence that a UPS supervisor intended to manipulate an investigation into Gratton’s alleged inappropriate conduct, which led to his dismissal. Gratton, however, claimed that the incident was used as a pretext for his firing due to his workplace complaints about discriminatory practices.

Judge reduces UPS driver’s $237.6 million bias verdict to $39.6 million #employmentpractices #riskmanagement #UPS https://t.co/WG3Qp7B7Pc

— Business Insurance (@BusInsMagazine) November 20, 2024

Implications for Workplace Discrimination Cases

This case highlights the ongoing challenges in addressing workplace discrimination and the complexities involved in determining appropriate compensation for victims. While the reduction in the award amount is significant, the remaining $39.6 million still represents a substantial judgment against UPS.

The outcome of this case and UPS’s planned appeal could have far-reaching implications for how similar workplace discrimination cases are handled in the future. It underscores the importance of companies maintaining clear anti-discrimination policies and the need for thorough, unbiased investigations into allegations of unfair treatment.

As this legal battle continues, it serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggle for equality in the workplace and the role of the judicial system in addressing these issues. The final resolution of this case will be closely watched by legal experts, corporations, and civil rights advocates alike.