Sacramento, California — Five Latino fast food workers from a Rancho Cordova Habit Burger & Grill have filed complaints with the California Civil Rights Department, alleging racial discrimination and civil rights violations in the workplace. The workers claim that they were subjected to threats, verbal abuse, and unequal treatment by their managers.
The complaints detail how Latino employees were forbidden from speaking Spanish, mocked for using the language, and segregated to work exclusively as cooks in the back of the restaurant. Adelfa Cruz, a former employee, shared her experience of mistreatment, noting that she no longer seeks her old job but hopes for better treatment of other workers.
The workers also allege that managers used derogatory language and, in some instances, physically pushed them if they were not working quickly enough. One manager reportedly threatened employees regarding their work authorization status.
In response, a Habit Burger & Grill spokesperson stated that the company is committed to fostering an inclusive workplace and is investigating the matter. The California Civil Rights Department will review the allegations and decide whether to proceed with an investigation.
