Six former flight attendants have sued Korean Air, claiming they were discriminated against because they are Korean-Americans.

The lawyer representing the attendants said the six women, all U.S. citizens, were part of a group of flight attendants hired for their ability to speak both Korean and English.

In a complaint filed Wednesday, the women argued the airline laid off everyone in their group, citing economic hardship, then hired Korean nationals to replace them.

The suit alleges the company violated state and federal employment provisions by denying the Korean Americans benefits and promotional opportunities.

Korean Air denied any wrongdoing.