Three of the employees, Joel Casas, Justin Freer, and Grant Bost were subjected to persistent racial slurs. They were routinely called "whetback," "nigger," and "spick," even publicly over the store's loudspeaker or in person when customers were present.

On several occasions, however, the harassment was even more egregious.

According to Casas, Mr. Bost, who is African-American was insulted and had fried chicken put in his jacket by co-workers. Despite being in the view of witnesses, including cashiers and customers, the harassers did not stop there. Casas recounts that when Bost turned his back on them, the night manager threw a piece of chicken at his back, saying "Take this, nigger, you forgot your chicken."

A fourth employee, Justin Freer, was the subject of discrimination based on his cerebral palsy. He was frequently called "the Claw," Casas said, adding that an employee who thought Freer was Jewish threw pennies at him whenever he got the chance. Another employee videotaped himself mocking Freer with his cell phone, and posted the videos to the social media website YouTube.

Casas, Bost, and Freer sought the help of the Workers' Rights Law Center after the store conducted an investigation which immediately took on the appearance of a cover-up. Bost describes being forced to sign paperwork stating that the whole incident was a misunderstanding. And no further action was initially pursued by Hannaford.

After the WRLC took their case, Executive Director Milan Bhatt sent a letter to Hannaford stating his intent to pursue charges and seek restitution for the employees. Although Hannaford conducted another investigation and fired or transferred most of those involved, according to Casas two of his harassers are still employed at the same store. Because of this, and Hannaford's refusal to acknowledge responsiblity for the events or compensate the employees for the pain and suffering they endured, the WRLC has filed formal charges with the Equal Opportunity Employment Commission of violations of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Americans with Disabilities act of 1990.