Concord Car Dealership Workers Allege Racial Harassment, Stealing Commissions In Lawsuit
CONCORD (KPIX 5) -- Seven employees of an East Bay car dealership have filed a $21 million federal lawsuit, claiming racial harassment and wage theft took place.
"A lot of people don't know what happens in the car business, we have no protection," said Amanda Bo Denton, a former employee at Lexus of Concord.
Denton said racial slurs, including the n-word, were directed at her and at customers.
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Seven employees accuse a manager of creating a hostile work environment and stealing commissions.
Kamal Dayekh was the finance director and sent out an email airing his concerns. That's when he said the manager threatened him.
"(He) Slammed the email there he and says I know you're the f-----g guy that sent the email, I'm going to kill you if I find out it's you," Dayekh said.
The dealership released a statement saying they just found out about the allegations and they're being investigated and addressed. In a statement from attorney Christine Long, the dealership said the lead plaintiff "chose to file this lawsuit alleging new and different claims and seek media attention."
"I feel good about what I did and I feel bad for everybody else that is still kind of like hiding, they can't come out to the light. They are fearing for their jobs basically," Dayekh said.
More employees are expected to join the lawsuit.
The workers said the manager in question no longer works at the dealership. A judge signed restraining orders against him on Tuesday.