DES MOINES, Iowa - Three African American employees are suing Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield Insurance in Des Moines for $5 million in a class action workplace discrimination lawsuit.
The suit claims the three employees - Janice Lintz, Tylonda Mason, and David Tindrell - experienced racial discrimination at work and retaliation after complaining to management about the treatment.
"African Americans have been systematically denigrated and harassed, denied training opportunities and mentorship given to Caucasian employees, been excluded from promotions, subjected to higher and more subjective standards than other employees in all aspects of employment, and required to meet more onerous criteria than their coworkers," the lawsuit petition says in part.
The lawsuit seeks up to $5 million in damages.
Wellmark issued a statement denying the accusations and defending its record on diversity and inclusion:
“Based on Wellmark’s investigation of the allegations of the lawsuit, they are unfounded and without merit. We look forward to the opportunity to fully vindicate ourselves against these claims. Wellmark has a long-standing history and commitment to supporting and celebrating diversity and inclusion. In fact, Wellmark received a 100 percent score from the Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s 2020 Corporate Equality Index. Additionally, other respected publications have recognized Wellmark’s inclusive culture, including: Profiles in Diversity Journal Diversity Team Award 2020, Diverseability Magazine Best of the Best 2020, Black EOE Journal Best of the Best 2019, Professional Woman’s Magazine Best of the Best 2019, U.S. Veterans’ Magazine Best of the Best 2019, Hispanic Network Best of the Best 2019.”