U.S. EEOC Sues Coca-Cola Bottler Over Women-Only Employee Event

The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has filed a lawsuit in federal court in New Hampshire against Coca-Cola Beverages Northeast, alleging sex discrimination.

The agency claims the company violated federal law by hosting a networking event in September 2024 for about 250 female employees at a casino in Connecticut and excluding male staff. The bottler is owned by Kirin Holdings. The Coca-Cola Company is not named as a defendant. According to the complaint, female employees who attended were excused from regular duties without using paid leave, and the company covered hotel costs. The event included networking sessions, team activities, and speakers, including a company executive.

The lawsuit marks the first challenge by the agency to a workplace diversity program since Donald Trump returned to office.