PHILADELPHIA — A Hispanic worker is suing Frito-Lay and PepsiCo, citing alleged discrimination, harassment and hostile work environment.
John Gonzalez filed a complaint on Sept. 12, in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, against the defendants alleging that they violated Title VII of the Civil Rights Act.
According to the complaint, the plaintiff alleges that due to defendants wrongful conduct, the plaintiff suffered pain and suffering, mental anguish, anxiety, embarrassment, humiliation, and emotional distress.
Gonzalez alleges that in one instance, a co-worker who is Caucasian, stated, "So you can speak to the foreigners?" when she overheard him speaking Spanish. He said he could speak Spanish, the suit claims.
She allegedly said that she and another employee "don’t like foreigners," and "we are Trumpsters."
Gonzalez did not return to his employment on July 28, 2017, after the defendants allegedly subjected him to discriminatory actions, hostile work environment and harassment on the basis of his race.
The plaintiff requests a trial by jury and seeks an order requiring defendants to provide neutral employment practices and award for all damages, plus interest, attorney's fees, costs and such other and further relief. He is represented by Justin F. Robinette of The Discrimination Lawyer in Philadelphia.
U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania Case number 5:18-cv-03918-JFL