The loss of employment can be a very difficult and tumultuous experience. When things such as discrimination or retaliation contribute to job loss, the experience can be especially traumatic. Fortunately, laws exist in the state of Massachusetts and across the country that protect workers from discrimination and retaliation in the workplace. A man in another state recently filed a wrongful termination lawsuit against his former employer over allegations of age discrimination and retaliation.
The man worked for a trucking company and was allegedly wrongfully terminated for refusing to text while driving. According to the lawsuit, the plaintiff was reprimanded by his manager for failing to read or respond to his manager’s text messages while driving for work. After complaining to upper management, the plaintiff alleges he was told that he was too old to change his ways and was fired.
The defendant claims that company policy restricts texting and driving. However, the plaintiff alleges that his refusal to do so led to his eventual firing. Texting and driving is also illegal in the plaintiff’s state. The plaintiff seeks an unspecified amount in damages, as well as court costs and attorney’s fees.
Using job termination as a form of retaliation is not only wrong, but it is also illegal in the state of Massachusetts and across the country. Victims of wrongful termination and harassment in the workplace have the right to take legal action. A successful lawsuit could result in compensation to ease the financial suffering that comes with losing employment
Source: sandiegouniontribune.com, “Trucking employee claims he was fired for not texting and driving ‘like everyone else’“, Morgan Cook, April 27, 2017