LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Attorneys spent hours in a Louisville courtroom on Monday selecting jurors in a lawsuit against the Louisville Water Company.
The water company is at the center of multiple lawsuits alleging race discrimination, retaliation and hostile work conditions. Four employees filed the suit together, but the judge broke them up into separate cases.
One of the lawsuits, filed by Josh Bridges, was slowly getting underway with jury selection on Monday.
At least 45 people were asked detail questions about having any prior prejudice before being selected and by 5 p.m., the judge made his final selection and dismissed everyone for the rest of the day. The court expects to start back up with opening statements Wednesday morning.
Bridges, an African American employee who worked at Louisville Water for 16 years, said he was discriminated against when applying for a new position within the company. According to the lawsuit, he got the job in 2015, but a month later was notified the position was no longer available and the application title changed online.
Bridges then filed a grievance with his union stating the company falsified documents claiming he was ineligible for the role. Similar positions opened up in 2017 and 2019 and Bridges said he reapplied both times, but was denied those jobs.
He alleges he didn't get the position because of his previously filed grievance.
The lawsuit claims the position was later taken by a white employee, who Bridges claims was less qualified and favored by Louisville Water's human resources department.
"Louisville Water is committed to an environment where every employee feels valued and respected. We value our employees just as much as we value the community we serve. We value our employees just as much as we value the community we serve," a spokesperson for Louisville Water said in a statement. "We respect the judicial process and respect that employees have the right to participate. We will provide the facts that support our story. At Louisville Water, there is no place for racism, sexism, hate or discrimination. We are committed to being champions for diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging."
Make it easy to keep up-to-date with more stories like this. Download the WHAS11 News app now. For Apple or Android users.
Have a news tip? Email assign@whas11.com, visit our Facebook page or Twitter feed.