Greenville, SC, October 7, 2025
News Summary
The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission has filed a lawsuit against WorkSmart Staffing, alleging gender discrimination against female labor applicants. The lawsuit highlights incidents in which the staffing company complied with requests for only male laborers, potentially violating Title VII of the Civil Rights Act. Damages sought include back pay and compensatory damages. WorkSmart’s CEO denies wrongdoing, asserting the company’s commitment to diversity and fairness. This case may impact hiring practices both within the company and across the staffing industry.
Greenville, S.C. – The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has filed a federal lawsuit against WorkSmart Staffing, a staffing company based in Greenville, South Carolina. The lawsuit, announced last week, accuses WorkSmart of gender discrimination against women at its offices located in Hoover and Leeds, Alabama.
The allegations in the lawsuit stem from a specific case where a client requested only male laborers for work assignments. It is claimed that WorkSmart complied with the client’s request, leading to an environment where women were not hired or referred for laborer positions. The EEOC alleges that from August 1, 2020, to August 8, 2023, WorkSmart failed to accommodate female applicants for these roles due to their sex.
The federal lawsuit cites violations of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, which prohibits discrimination based on sex in hiring and job assignments. Marsha Rucker, the regional attorney for the EEOC’s Birmingham District Office, commented on the issue, highlighting that some companies continue to engage in unacceptable sex-based hiring practices that have no place in today’s workforce. This underscores the ongoing efforts of the EEOC in ensuring equal employment opportunities.
Bradley Anderson, the EEOC Birmingham District Director, reinforced the agency’s commitment to enforcing federal laws that protect applicants and employees from sex discrimination. The lawsuit seeks multiple forms of damages, including back pay, front pay, compensatory damages, and punitive damages for the female workers allegedly affected by the discriminatory practices of WorkSmart.
In response to the lawsuit, WorkSmart’s CEO, Vanessa Barnes, has denied any wrongdoing, stating that the company has been working with the EEOC for over a year to resolve the matter. Barnes asserts that this lawsuit represents the first time WorkSmart has faced such allegations in its 35 years of operation, during which the company claims to have placed thousands of diverse candidates in various roles.
Barnes emphasized WorkSmart’s commitment to fairness, integrity, and equal opportunity for all employees and applicants. She indicated that they plan to issue a comprehensive statement after thoroughly reviewing the claims made against the company.
The outcome of this lawsuit may lead to significant implications not only for WorkSmart but also for the standards of hiring practices in the staffing industry at large, potentially influencing how companies address gender discrimination in the workforce.
Background on Title VII and EEOC
Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 is a landmark piece of legislation that prohibits employment discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. The EEOC is responsible for enforcing federal laws that make it illegal to discriminate against a job applicant or an employee. The commission has become an essential agency in driving home compliance with these laws to ensure workplaces are free of discrimination.
Key Damage Claims in the Lawsuit
- Back Pay
- Front Pay
- Compensatory Damages
- Punitive Damages
WorkSmart’s Position
WorkSmart Staffing, operating for over three decades, claims to have maintained a diverse hiring practice while actively working with various clients. The company now faces scrutiny regarding its hiring policies following the EEOC’s intervention.
What’s Next?
The lawsuit’s progression will likely clarify the responsibilities of staffing agencies concerning gender discrimination and their obligations under federal law. WorkSmart’s response and potential settlement or court ruling will be closely monitored by both legal experts and industry observers.
FAQ
What is WorkSmart Staffing accused of?
WorkSmart Staffing is accused of gender discrimination against women, specifically in its offices in Hoover and Leeds, Alabama.
Why was the lawsuit filed?
The lawsuit was filed because of allegations that WorkSmart complied with a client’s request for only male laborers, resulting in the company’s failure to hire or refer women for laborer positions due to their sex.
What does Title VII of the Civil Rights Act prohibit?
Title VII of the Civil Rights Act prohibits sex-based discrimination in hiring and job assignments.
What type of damages is the federal government seeking?
The federal government is seeking back pay, front pay, compensatory damages, and punitive damages for the female workers allegedly affected by the discrimination.
What is WorkSmart’s response to the allegations?
WorkSmart’s CEO has denied any wrongdoing, stating the company has made efforts to resolve the matter with the EEOC and described the lawsuit as the first of its kind for WorkSmart.
Key Features of the Lawsuit
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Company Name | WorkSmart Staffing |
| Filed By | U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) |
| Location of Discrimination | Hoover and Leeds, Alabama |
| Allegation Period | August 1, 2020, to August 8, 2023 |
| Legal Framework | Title VII of the Civil Rights Act |
| Damages Being Sought | Back pay, front pay, compensatory damages, punitive damages |
| WorkSmart’s CEO | Vanessa Barnes |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- AL.com: Woman-owned company fights federal suit over hiring women in Hoover and Leeds
- ABC 3340: Staffing agency accused of sex discrimination in hiring practices
- AL.com: Federal lawsuit accuses staffing agency of discriminating against women
- Wikipedia: Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964
- Google Search: gender discrimination in hiring
Author: STAFF HERE GREENVILLE
The HERE Greenville Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Greenville community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Greenville Our team includes lifelong Greenville residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sales in the Heritage Historic District 17 , Greenville’s textile and railroad heritage 2 , and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Greenville Technical College programs) 27 . Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Greenville Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
