Billy Thompson, a former employee of Central Oil and Supply, has filed a lawsuit alleging racial discrimination and retaliation by his employer. The complaint was lodged in the United States District Court for the Western District of Louisiana on November 26, 2025, against Central Oil and Supply LLC. Thompson claims that during his tenure as a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) driver with the company, he faced discriminatory practices that violated Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and other related statutes.
Thompson, a Black male residing in Lincoln Parish, Louisiana, began working for Central Oil and Supply on August 4, 2023. He alleges that from the outset of his employment as a Bobtail Driver, he was subjected to differential treatment compared to his White colleagues. Specifically, Thompson states that he was denied prompt training pay while White employees received timely compensation. Furthermore, he contends that he was disciplined for minor infractions while White coworkers were not penalized for more severe offenses. In addition to these grievances, Thompson asserts that only Black drivers were selected for “random” drug tests and that he was denied appropriate travel pay for out-of-town assignments.
The complaint highlights an incident on February 15, 2024, when Thompson raised concerns about unequal pay with Central’s General Manager Steve Pellegal and Operational Manager James Stevenson. Despite his complaints about racial disparities in compensation, Stevenson allegedly responded with dismissive remarks suggesting Thompson should “eat only one meal a day or home-cooked meals.” This exchange also included racially insensitive comments referencing the film “Juwanna Mann,” which relies on stereotypes about Black men.
In June 2024, Thompson claims he was again targeted when selected for another purportedly random drug test exclusively involving Black drivers. Following this test, discrepancies arose regarding its administration. Although initially accused of failing the test, Thompson successfully appealed and proved non-compliance with reporting requirements by Central Oil and Supply.
Represented by attorney Allison A. Jones from Downer Jones Marino & Wilhite law firm based in Shreveport LA.
Source: 325cv01891_Billy_Thompson_v_Central_Oil_&_Supply_Complaint_Western_District_of_Louisiana.pdf
