Although workplace discrimination was outlawed in 1964 by Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, it still unfortunately exists in a number of workplaces. Discrimination manifests itself in many ways in employment–in hiring, promotions, firing, and daily workplace interactions.
A black man in Sherman, Texas, recently filed an employment discrimination lawsuit against the contracting company for which he worked. The man says his employer discriminated against him on the basis of national origin when his supervisor disciplined him for driving a forklift without the proper certification. While the man does not argue that he was certified, he says that Hispanic employees who were not certified to do so also operated forklifts and were allowed to do this.
When the man complained to his supervisor about receiving unfair treatment, he was suspended without pay.
After returning to work, he reportedly asked to be transferred to another department but he was denied, and then he put in his resignation.
He is now accusing the employer of race-based harassment as well as employment discrimination and national-origin based harassment.
He has asked the court for compensation for his lost wages and employee benefits, as well as a number of other damages.
When employees complain to their supervisors about discrimination or harassment, employers are bound by law to address the situation and take action to stop any discrimination or harassment that is happening. Retaliating against the reporting employee by firing him or her, or suspending him or her is illegal under employment law. Workers who have experienced treatment such as this may benefit from talking to an employment law attorney.
Source: The Southeast Texas Record, “African American files discrimination lawsuit against East Texas Employer,” Michelle Keahey, Feb. 25, 2013
