Kansas City, Missouri, October 6, 2025
News Summary
Six Black and Hispanic workers have filed a lawsuit against construction firms involved with the KC Streetcar extension, alleging racial discrimination and sexual harassment. They argue that they endured a hostile work environment characterized by racial slurs, threats, and inadequate managerial responses to their complaints. The case highlights ongoing issues of workplace safety and discrimination within the construction industry. The lawsuit outlines serious allegations, including physical assaults and harassment, and seeks monetary damages for the plaintiffs.
Kansas City, Missouri – Six Black and Hispanic workers involved in constructing the KC Streetcar Main Street Extension have filed a lawsuit alleging racial discrimination and sexual harassment in the workplace. The lawsuit was initially lodged in Jackson County but was moved to federal court last month.
The plaintiffs, identified as Javier Buendia, Jonas Buendia, Oliver Curry, Carl Hunt, Joseph Martin, and Charles Watkins, assert that they faced an “atmosphere of racial terror and antagonism” at job sites that severely impacted all employees. The defendants named in the lawsuit include Herzog Contracting Corporation, Stacey and Witbeck, KC Streetcar Constructors, and two local unions: International Union of Operating Engineers Local No. 101 and Heavy Construction Laborers Local No. 663. Additionally, three individual employees, Bryce Shields, Josh Ayres, and Chris Greenwood, are also listed as defendants.
This comprehensive 94-page lawsuit contains 28 counts against the defendants, which include violations of the Missouri Human Rights Act. Workers allege they were routinely subjected to racially derogatory language, threatening behavior, physical assault, unwanted sexual touching, and workplace segregation. Cited incidents encompass a range of serious allegations, including:
- Regular use of racial slurs directed at Black employees, with derogatory terms used such as calling Black men “monkeys.”
- A foreman allegedly linked to the Proud Boys, known as a white nationalist organization, fostering a hostile environment.
- A threatening comment made by a worker directed at a Black employee suggesting the need to find a tree for hanging.
- A reported assault on a Black employee, where other workers attempted to bind him with duct tape while making lethal threats.
- Multiple allegations of sexual harassment against Greenwood, including unwelcome touching and racial and sexual slurs directed toward a Hispanic employee.
- A lack of any substantial action or investigation by management or unions in response to the complaints made by the plaintiffs concerning harassment and discrimination.
- One foreman reportedly commented that “they [Black men] end up in a noose,” which reflects openly racially charged sentiments.
The complaints present a work culture where issues of discrimination were consistently dismissed and not properly addressed by management or the unions involved. Furthermore, the lawsuit asserts that a policy change was implemented to expunge records of prior incidents in an effort to cover up the ongoing history of harassment on job sites.
The plaintiffs are seeking monetary damages due to the hostile work environment they endured while working on the project. The case has drawn attention to the critical issues of workplace safety and equitable treatment of employees, particularly under the scrutiny of federal law regarding employment discrimination and harassment.
Background Context
The allegations reflect broader societal challenges faced by minority groups in construction and labor. Discrimination based on race and sexual harassment remain pressing issues that many workers encounter, prompting a need for stricter regulations and oversight in the industry. The construction sector has historically struggled with these issues, highlighting the importance of creating a safer and more inclusive work environment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the nature of the lawsuit filed by the six employees?
The lawsuit alleges racial discrimination and sexual harassment in the workplace during the construction of the KC Streetcar Main Street Extension.
Who are the plaintiffs in the lawsuit?
The plaintiffs are Javier Buendia, Jonas Buendia, Oliver Curry, Carl Hunt, Joseph Martin, and Charles Watkins.
Where was the lawsuit originally filed?
The lawsuit was initially filed in Jackson County.
What types of discrimination are reported in the lawsuit?
The allegations include routine use of racial slurs, threatening behavior, physical assault, unwanted sexual touching, and workplace segregation.
What actions or lack thereof are highlighted by the plaintiffs regarding management responses?
The lawsuit claims a culture existed where complaints regarding harassment and discrimination were dismissed, and there was no substantial action taken by management or unions.
What are the plaintiffs seeking through the lawsuit?
The plaintiffs are seeking monetary damages due to the hostile work environment they endured.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Federal Lawsuit Filed Against Kansas City Police by Interracial Couple
Kansas City Residents Report Changes in Tap Water Quality
KCAI Expands Student Housing with Hotel Acquisition
Kansas City Faces Rising Crime Ahead of World Cup 2026
Kansas City Life Insurance Reports First-Quarter Gains
Park 39 Transforms Former School into Nonprofit Hub in Kansas City
Widespread Winter Storm Causes Havoc in Kansas City
Kansas City Braces for Major Winter Storm
Weather Whiplash Hits Kansas City
Additional Resources
- KCTV5: Six KC Streetcar Workers Allege Racial Discrimination and Sexual Harassment
- Wikipedia: Racial Discrimination
- KMBC: Chappell Roan Themed KC Streetcar Pink Pony Express
- Google Search: Sexual Harassment in the Workplace
- KSHB: One of a Kind Pink Pony Express Streetcar
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Workplace
- Kansas City Star: Local News
- Google News: Workplace Safety
Author: STAFF HERE KANSAS CITY WRITER
The KANSAS CITY STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREKansasCity.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Kansas City, Jackson County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as American Royal World Series of Barbecue, Dia De Los Muertos, and Planet Anime Kansas City. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce and United Way of Greater Kansas City, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and entertainment that power the local economy such as Children's Mercy Hospital, Government Employees Health Association, and AMC Entertainment. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREStLouis.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Missouri's dynamic landscape.
