Coca-Cola Beverages Northeast is facing a federal discrimination lawsuit after the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) accused the company of unlawfully excluding male employees from a company-sponsored networking and professional development event.
The lawsuit, filed in federal court in New Hampshire, alleges that the regional Coca-Cola bottler violated Title VII of the Civil Rights Act by organizing a two-day event in September 2024 that was open only to female employees. According to the complaint, approximately 250 women attended the gathering, which took place at a casino in Connecticut.
The EEOC claims that male employees were not permitted to participate in the event, which included networking sessions, team-building exercises, social activities and presentations from company leadership. One of the featured speakers was a senior executive associated with Coca-Cola, according to the filing.
The agency further alleges that women who attended were excused from their regular job responsibilities without being required to use paid time off. In addition, the company covered hotel accommodations and other related expenses for attendees, providing what the EEOC characterizes as a workplace benefit unavailable to male employees.
Coca-Cola Beverages Northeast distributes Coca-Cola products across several Northeastern states and is owned by Japan-based Kirin Holdings. The Coca-Cola Co. itself is not named as a defendant in the case.
In announcing the lawsuit, the EEOC stated that federal anti-discrimination law prohibits employers from excluding workers from employment-related opportunities, benefits or events based on protected characteristics such as sex. The agency emphasized that workplace programs — including those framed as networking or professional development initiatives — must be structured in a way that ensures equal access.
The lawsuit seeks remedies on behalf of affected employees, which could include policy changes, injunctive relief and potential monetary damages. Specific details regarding the requested relief were not immediately outlined in public filings.
The case represents a significant test of how courts will evaluate employer-sponsored networking and development programs that limit participation by gender. Legal observers note that the outcome could influence how companies design and implement diversity-focused initiatives to avoid running afoul of federal employment law.
Coca-Cola Beverages Northeast has not yet publicly responded to the allegations. The litigation is expected to draw close attention from employers reviewing their internal policies on inclusion, professional development and equal opportunity in the workplace.
