US civil rights agency sues Coca-Cola distributor for excluding men from casino work trip - AP News
AP News
February 19, 2026
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The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has filed a lawsuit against a Coca-Cola distributor in Texas, alleging discrimination based on gender. The case centers around the company's exclusion of men from an all-expenses-paid casino work trip, which was organized as a promotional event for employees. The EEOC claims that this practice unfairly limited job opportunities for male employees and violated federal anti-discrimination laws.
The Coca-Cola bottling plant in Tyler, Texas, reportedly sent 10 women on the trip to Las Vegas in 2019, where they were given the chance to win prizes and bonuses. However, men were not invited, despite being employed in equal numbers at the facility. This disparity allegedly led to preferential treatment for female employees, as only women received the opportunity to earn additional incentives through the promotion.
The EEOC argues that by excluding men from the trip, the company created an unequal work environment and deprived male employees of potential career advancements. The agency is seeking injunctive relief to prevent future discrimination and compensation for affected individuals. This case highlights how promotional opportunities within companies can inadvertently lead to legal issues if they are not inclusive.
This matter underscores the importance of ensuring fair treatment in the workplace, regardless of gender. Employers must be cautious about how they allocate resources and opportunities, as even well-intentioned activities like company trips can have unintended consequences. The EEOC's involvement signals that such practices will
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Originally published on AP News on 2/19/2026