From our offices in the Detroit area, Akeel & Valentine, PLC serves clients nationwide.

From our offices in the Detroit area, Akeel & Valentine, PLC serves clients nationwide.

Company in another state hit with wrongful termination lawsuit

On Behalf of | May 12, 2017 | Employment Law

Those in Michigan who are subjected to harassment in the workplace should feel comfortable in their ability to inform their employers of the issue without fear of retaliation. This is their right. Sadly, there are those who do the right thing and report the problem only to be terminated after the fact. In such cases, wrongful termination claims may be filed against their employers.

A company in another state is in the news again for allegedly firing a woman who complained of harassment from a supervisor and fellow employee. Grimmway Farms was sued just last year for the same issue. A verdict in that case in favor of the plaintiffs was reached in November.

In this current case, a woman who was a forklift driver for the company claims to have been the victim of repeated sexual harassment by a fellow forklift driver and further harassment from his girlfriend, the woman’s supervisor. She filed a complaint with the company that, allegedly, was ignored. She claims that she was fired shortly after filing her complaint.

Grimmway Farms will not comment on the pending litigation. It is unclear if this case will be settled out of court or if a trial will be necessary. The plaintiff is seeking an undisclosed amount in damages.

While business owners do have the right to fire employees, they do not have the right to fire them for reporting harassment in the workplace. Doing so is against the law. Michigan residents who believe that they are the victims of wrongful termination can, like this woman, seek damages by filing civil claims against their former employers. If such claims are navigated successfully, employment may be restored — if desired — and compensation for any resulting losses may be achieved.

Source: bakersfieldnow.com, “Grimmway Farms faces fresh complaint of harassment, wrongful termination“, May 5, 2017