A former employee at Staples is suing the office supply chain over claims that she was fired shortly after disclosing she was going to report, for a second time, a manager who had been making several racial and sexual derogatory comments about black and female employees.
Mica Wallace, an African-American, filed a lawsuit on Sept. 2 against Staples The Office Superstore East Inc. in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania, alleging racial discrimination, gender discrimination, wrongful termination and a violation of the Federal Civil Rights Act of 1964.
According to the complaint, Wallace worked for the York location of Staples from April 2010 until July 2014. The complaint states that on or about June 2013, Wallace contacted the York Staples’ Human Resources Department to file a complaint about a general manager’s derogatory comments against women and African-Americans. According to the lawsuit, that general manager’s behavior continued and she advised that general manager that she was planning to report his behavior to the human resources department again. The lawsuit claims that the general manager informed a district manager of Wallace’s intention. On or about July 2, 2014, Staples terminated Wallace’s employment.
Wallace, who is seeking back pay, pay increases, medical and other benefits as well as damages for pain and suffering, is being represented by Larry A. Weisberg of McCarthy Weisberg Cummings P.C. in Harrisburg.
U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania case number 1:15-cv-01727