A Schuylkill County woman has sued her employer, alleging violation of state and federal laws in connection with her 2013 termination.
Anisa Sobolesky of Pottsville filed a lawsuit March 10 in U.S. District Court of the Middle District of Pennsylvania against Empire Education Group Inc. and EEG Inc., alleging unlawful termination.
According to the complaint, Sobolesky was a hard-working and competent employee who began to suffer from health conditions around 2011 associated with colitis, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and depression. Sobolesky alleges her conditions are classified as disabilities for which she requires accommodations.
She requested modest amounts of time off to deal with her health problems and produced a doctor’s note requesting she be allowed to use the restroom while at work without repercussions, the suit states. But after she utilized more FMLA leave toward the end of her tenure, she was subjected to animosity by management, including micro-management of her work, superficial discipline, less desirable assignments and general rudeness, the suit states.
When Sobolesky complained of harassment, the complaint alleges, management engaged in retaliatory behavior, eventually terminating her in November 2013. She cites infringement of the Family Medical Leave Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act (PHRA).
Sobolesky seeks compensatory, punitive and liquidated damages for front and back pay and benefits, attorney fees, and court costs. She is represented by attorney Ari Karpf of Karpf, Karpf & Cerutti in Bensalem.
U.S. District Court Middle District of Pennsylvania case number: 3:15-cv-00475-JMM.