Five Port Authority police officers have filed a federal lawsuit against their employer, alleging race discrimination.

The plaintiffs, who are all black, claim that they endured retaliation by their employers after they failed to stick up for the Port Authority in another situation alleging race discrimination.

The plaintiffs are Curtis L. Boyd, of Green Tree, who was hired in 2000, Nathaniel E. Greene, of Verona, who was hired in 1997, Lester C. Jordan, of Monroeville, who was hired in 1997, Nelson E. Mitchell, of Bethel Park, who was hired in 1990, and Erich R. Wilson, of West Mifflin, who was hired in 2002.

They contend that they were called to a meeting with the then-chief of police in July 2004 regarding a discrimination complaint filed by another black officer. The plaintiffs say they were asked by the chief to defend against that accusation. When they said they were concerned about retaliation regarding their answers, they were ordered to answer the question, the lawsuit said.

After expressing their opinions that there was race discrimination, they claim that they encountered retaliation regarding promotions, as well as losing training opportunities. They are seeking compensatory and punitive damages.

A spokesman for Port Authority did not return a call seeking comment.