Southern Workers Say Documents Show Bias

Black workers provided documents from Southern Co. they say support a lawsuit accusing the largest U.S. power producer of racial discrimination. In a court filing, the employees included a U.S. statistical analysis indicating blacks were paid less than white counterparts. The workers also provided company records they said show company officials were aware of nooses hung on corporate property and widespread use of racial epithets. The plaintiffs’ lawyers, who asked for class-action status for the suit, obtained the company records under a pretrial order by U.S. District Judge Orinda Evans. The suit, filed in July 2000, seeks unspecified damages. Atlanta-based Southern shares rose 20 cents to close at $35.29 on the NYSE.