A Los Angeles man has recently settled his lawsuit claiming wrongful termination against the upscale department store where he used to work. These types of lawsuits have become more prevalent in recent years as more and more victims of wrongful termination are stepping forward claiming their rights were violated. Constitutional rights or workplace rights can be violated in a way that a person can file a wrongful termination suit. In this case, the man alleged wrongful termination based on sexual orientation and religious discrimination.
The man, who was fired from the store in 2008, said he had been considered an exemplary employee who generated around $1 million in sales per year. The retailer, on the other hand, claimed that the man gave away thousands of dollars in an expensive face cream that was later sold on the Internet for a profit. The man filed lawsuit claiming that his supervisor, a woman of the Muslim faith, harassed him for being of the Jewish faith.
According to testimony, the supervisor did not allow the man time off for Jewish holidays. When he asked for time off to visit Israel, the supervisor allegedly made disparaging remarks about Jews in Israel. There was evidence presented of other incidents that supported the man's claim of workplace discrimination. Ultimately the man lost his home and had to file for bankruptcy after being fired.
The details of the settlement were not released. However the man was seeking $40 million in punitive damages and $16 million in compensatory damages related to his ordeal. Incidents such as these do happen in workplaces across California. It is important that you review your rights in the workplace.
Source: Los Angeles Register, "Neiman Marcus Settles Wrongful Termination Lawsuit," Kelly Puente, Sept. 18, 2014
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