A huge German industrial conglomerate faces charges for allegedly creating a hostile work environment for one of their former employees in its Chicago office.
The former employee, identified as Montrelle Reese, filed a racial discrimination lawsuit against ThysseKrupp.
Reese, an African-American, was a sales representative at ThysseKrupp Elevator from November 2007 until January, 2012. Reese was assigned at the company’s Chicago office. He said he voluntarily resigned because he can no longer stand the hostile work environment created by his immediate supervisors and other co-workers.
In his lawsuit, Reese claims that his immediate supervisors are calling African-American employees with n-words and names and frequently have a black face routine at company meetings.
The Illinois Department of Human Rights found Reese’s harassment evidences as true and correct and with reasonable cause. The agency further added that the company’s wrongdoing created a hostile work environment which hinders the ability of the employees, including Reese’s, to perform their jobs effectively.
The employment law attorney representing Reese said that his client might be the only person making a complaint, but the company seems to carry on and accept the atmosphere.
A representative from ThysserKrupp denied the allegations, while Reese couldn’t be reached for comments, according to a news report.
It is illegal for an employer to discriminate against an employee on the basis of race or national origin. Apart from the obvious discriminatory practices such as verbal insults and slurs, discrimination also includes employment decisions based on race, like promotions and benefits.
Once an employer shows any practice which can create a hostile work environment, an employee may file a racial discrimination claim.
When you feel like you’re being discriminated based on your race, do not hesitate to file for a discrimination claim whether you are with a group or alone. Don’t be afraid as long as you know you have strong grounds.
02/23/2012
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