A former employee of the City of Long Beach for over a decade alleges that the city has engaged in discriminatory practices by maintaining segregated workforces based on race. He claims that he was categorized as a “temporary” worker despite working full-time hours, which he alleges denied him the benefits and compensation afforded to “regular” employees, who are predominantly White and unionized.
Plaintiff Henry Hall contends that this practice constitutes race discrimination under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, 42 U.S.C. § 1981, 42 U.S.C. § 1983, and the New York State Human Rights Law (NYSHRL). The complaint states that workers of color, including Hall, are classified as non-unionized “temporary” employees, while White employees are classified as unionized “regular” workers, despite performing similar duties.
According to the lawsuit, a White supervisor in the Parks Department hired on the same day as Hall was promoted to a full-time regular position with associated benefits, while Hall remained in a temporary role. The complaint also asserts that city officials prevented changes to Hall’s employment status despite assurances that the necessary paperwork had been submitted.
Hall seeks relief, including damages for lost wages and benefits, compensation for emotional distress, interest, damages intended to deter future misconduct, and attorney fees.
The plaintiff is represented by attorney Matthew L. Berman of Valli Kane & Vagnini LLP. The case was filed in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York under Case No. 2:25-cv-05860.