You failed to mention the reason you were moved from the first department. Your performance in the first department, in addition to your performance in the last department, may have contributed to your dismissal. From reading your post, it seems to me that the "thumbs up" you receieved was strictly based on your knowledge required to function at that position, not for your speed or productivity. Employers understand that a trainee will be slower in the beginning and even encourage a trainee to maintain a slower pace until they are comfortable with the task. It is more important that a trainee learn first, how to do the job correctly, and the speed will come with repetition of the task. I find it hard to think an employer would just terminate an employee without giving them an opportunity to adjust their performance. I am not discounting your feelings about the manner of your dismissal or the implications of being a victim of racial discrimination. It is very hard to prove racial discrimination because even if it was discrimination, the fines are costly and the company covered their back sides by using the "Speed and productivity" excuse. In my opinion, they really did you a big favor. I would not want to be associated with a company that does not do everything in their power to make sure the employee's fullest potential is being utilized and realizes that their successes will only be as great as the strength of their workforce. For a young man, you described an excellent work ethic. One that is hard to find in today's younger workers. Best of luck to you in your job search, and here's hoping you find a company more deserving of your efforts.

Late as this is, just wanted to let you know that anytime you feel your dismissal was based on race, religion, age, disability, you should file complaint with EEOC. What seems unoticed a year ago is that you know better than anyone why you were fired. Most people don't take this action. A concensus of co-workers sharing the feeling of discrimination would be very useful if it could still be obtained. A year is a long time to wait to make a complaint, however, and another avenue (suit?) may have to be taken. EEOC has time limit. I was forced to quit (not African American) without cause. I was totallly confused and after a lot of digging I found through word of mouth that the reason was because I was seasonal but due to the fact that my job (vault) required me to buy a sheriff's card ($95) the manager of the department didn't tell me. If one knew he/she was spending $95 for seasonal work chances are he wouldn't take the job.

Thanks for the response.