Federal Lawsuit Challenges Women Only Networking Event at Coca Cola Bottler

EEOC says exclusion of male employees from corporate forum raises questions about fairness in workplace networking

A federal agency has filed a lawsuit against Coca Cola Northeast, a Bedford based bottler, claiming the company violated federal law by hosting a women only networking event that excluded male employees.

The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission alleges that in September 2024, the company sponsored around 250 female employees to attend a Women’s Forum at the Mohegan Sun Casino in Connecticut. The event featured executive speakers, team building sessions and professional networking opportunities. However, no male employees were invited.

According to the commission, that exclusion may have crossed a legal line. The agency argues that Title VII of the Civil Rights Act prohibits discrimination based on gender, even in company sponsored networking programs.

“Excluding men from an employer sponsored event is a Title VII violation that the EEOC will act to remedy through litigation when necessary,” said Acting General Counsel Catherine Eschbach.

The lawsuit was filed in U.S. District Court in New Hampshire because Coca Cola Northeast is headquartered in Bedford. The case stems from a complaint by a male production employee at the company’s Londonderry facility.

The commission is seeking a jury trial and compensation for male employees who may have missed professional opportunities tied to the event. In response, company attorney Peter Bennett said Coca Cola complied with federal regulations and welcomed the chance to defend itself in court.