NEW YORK, NY February 27, 2008 —REPORTER: The city will pay more than $20 million to black and Hispanic Parks Department employees to settle claims that they were promoted less than white co-workers.

Kathleen Walker has been with the Parks Department for 27 years. She says she was demoted after joining the lawsuit.

WALKER: The point is - anyone that is able to do that particular job should be promoted according to their qualities and not the color of their skin.

REPORTER: Attorneys for the plaintiffs say the Parks Department has gotten better at promoting minorities since the lawsuit was filed, but say there are still too few of them management positions.

If approved, the settlement could end a 9 year legal battle.