News Article

Coke Signals A Desire To Settle Lawsuit

The Atlanta Constitution

Published: March 08, 2000

ATLANTA -- Coca-Cola Chairman Doug Daft appears intent on trying to settle the racial discrimination lawsuit against the company as quickly as possible.

In an e-mail memo Tuesday to all employees, Daft said he knows the suit is on the minds of many of them.

"We are now in mediation and are working toward an expedient and equitable resolution," Daft told employees.

Last month U.S. District Judge Richard Story ordered both sides to try to settle the case by holding talks with a mediator, who is supposed to facilitate the discussions. No talks have yet been held.

Plaintiffs' attorney Cyrus Mehri said he was glad to hear about Daft's memo.

"We are pleased to learn about the company's good-faith interest in settlement," Mehri said. "Daft has an opportunity to make full amends for the past and set the gold standard for the future. "

Daft's memo to employees came only three days after a meeting and rally about the suit by about 500 current and former African-American employees and their supporters. They vowed to keep pressuring the company to treat black employees better.

Daft said Tuesday that "diversity is one of the fundamental values" of the company. He also said the company's Diversity Advisory Council, which was formed after the suit was filed last April, has come up with recommendations that will be announced in the near future.