In N Out Discrimination Suit: Burger Chain Denies Race, Age Discrimination Accusations
In-N-Out Burger is being sued for discrimination by two African American California residents. The fast food chain has had a lawsuit filed against it by two plaintiffs who have alleged that they were discriminated against by the company in its hiring process due to their race and age.
In-N-Out has denied the accusations and is planning to fiercely defend itself against any claims that it discriminates against blacks or those over 40 years of age.
The lawsuit was filed on Wednesday in the Alameda County Superior Court, according to reports. It claims that two African American residents were not hired despite being qualified to perform the tasks applied for.
An attorney representing the pair has claimed that the fast food chain has an inherent hiring policy that discriminates against applicants on the basis of race and age.
The popular burger chain has hundreds of locations across the state and has denied the allegations, saying that the company has a respected and reputable employment environment. According to the company it offers an above-average pay scale, as well as attractive benefits packages, meaning that staff turnover rates are low compared to similar business establishments.
The company was founded in 1948 by Harry Snyderand his wife Esther, who established the first In-N-Out burger in Baldwin Park and headquartered in Irvine, California. In-N-Out Burger has since expanded outside Southern California to the rest of the state, Arizona, Nevada, Utah, and Texas.
The current owner is Lynsi Martinez, the only grandchild of founders Harry and Esther Snyder. There are currently 275 locations as of June 2012 with no location more than one day's drive from a regional distribution center.