EEOC Seeks Role in Texaco Settlement

The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission asked court permission to take part in the already-announced $176-million settlement of Texaco Inc.’s race discrimination lawsuit. “The monetary terms that have been announced appear to be adequate,” EEOC Chairman Gilbert Casellas said. “The EEOC’s objective in intervening in this litigation is to secure clear, fair and enforceable standards which will produce the structural changes need to provide real, long-term relief at Texaco.” The commission has been actively involved in the case for 1 1/2 years, and its investigation found that Texaco discriminated against blacks in handing out promotions. Texaco spokesman Jim Swords said he didn’t know if EEOC involvement would delay court approval of the settlement.