PHILADELPHIA – An African-American technician is suing his former employer over a claim that he was fired because of racial discrimination.
Troy D. Harley filed a lawsuit on April 11 in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania against PSC Industrial Outsourcing, L.P., alleging a violation of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act.
Harley began working for PSC Industrial in March 2007 as a technician, twice being promoted, the suit says, adding that on Oct. 7, 2013, PSC suspended Harley for one day for not wearing a seat belt, subsequently firing him for the seat belt infraction plus an allegation that he did not shave properly.
According to the claim, upon information and belief, prior to his termination, PSC was aware that Harley had a skin condition common to African-American men that made it difficult for him to closely shave his face.
On Oct. 7, 2013, PSC initially cited, but did not suspend, Harley’s similarly situated white co-worker for not wearing a seatbelt, the suit says.
Harley is seeking back pay, front pay, loss of benefits, compensatory and punitive damages, interests, costs, negative tax consequence damages and injunctive relief.
Harley, who is demanding a jury trial, is being represented by attorney Scott M. Pollins of the Pollins Law Firm in Swarthmore.
U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania Court Case number 2:16-cv-01709-HB